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THE  LIBRARY  OF  THE 
UNIVERSITY  OF 
NORTH  CAROLINA 
AT  CHAPEL  HILL 


ENDOWED  BY  THE 
DIALECTIC  AND  PHILANTHROPIC 
SOCIETIES 


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BOOKSELLERS, 


'  'NIVERSITY  OF  N.C.  AT  C 

00008796494 


This  book  is  due  at  the  LOUIS  R.  WILSON  LIBRARY  on  the 
last  date  stamped  under  "Date  Due."  If  not  on  hold  it  may  be 
renewed  by  bringing  it  to  the  library. 


DATE  DirT 
DUE  RET 

DATE 

DUE  KfcT- 

w 

Ift  

<AY  0  3  21 

*  — 

THE 


BY 

JAMES    FENIMORE  COOPER. 


D.  APPLETON 


NEW  YORK: 

AND    COMPANY,  PUBLISHERS. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2014 


https://archive.org/details/waterwitchorskimOOcoop 


THE 


WAT  EE-WITCH; 


OK, 


THE  SKIMMER 


SEAS. 


E  COOPEE 


cette  galere?; 


ILLUSTRATED  FROM  DRAWINGS  BY  F.  0.  C.  DARLET. 


NEW  YOEK : 
D.  APPLETON  AND  COMPANY, 

549  &  551  BROADWAY. 
1874. 


Eotebed,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1873,  by 
D.  APPLETON  &  COMPANY, 
In  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  "Washington. 


PEEFAOE. 


It  was  a  bold  attempt  to  lay  the  scene  of  a  work  like  this,  on  the  coast  of  America. 
"We  have  had  our  Buccaneers  on  the  water,  and  our  Witches  on  the  land,  but  we  believe 
this  is  the  first  occasion  on  which  the  rule  has  been  reversed.  After  an  experience  that 
has  now  lasted  more  than  twenty  years,  the  result  has  shown  that  the  public  prefer  the 
original  order  of  things.    In  other  words,  the  book  has  proved  a  comparative  failure. 

The  facts  of  this  country  are  all  so  recent  and  so  familiar,  that  every  innovation  on 
them,  by  means  of  the  imagination,  is  coldly  received,  if  it  be  not  absolutely  frowned 
upon.  Perhaps  it  would  have  been  safer  to  have  written  a  work  of  this  character  with- 
out a  reference  to  any  particular  locality.  The  few  local  allusions  that  are  introduced 
are  not  essential  to  the  plot,  and  might  have  been  dispensed  with  without  lessening  the 
interest  of  the  tale. 

Nevertheless,  this  is  probably  the  most  imaginative  book  ever  written  by  the  author. 
Its  fault  is  in  blending  too  much  of  the  real  with  the  purely  ideal.  Half-way  measures 
will  not  do  in  matters  of  this  sort ;  and  it  is  always  safer  to  preserve  the  identity  of  a 
book  by  a  fixed  and  determinate  character,  than  to  make  the  effort  to  steer  between  the 
true  and  the  false. 

Several  liberties  have  been  taken  with  the  usages  of  the  colony,  with  a  view  to  give 
zest  to  the  descriptions.  If  the  Dutch  of  this  country  ever  resorted  to  the  common  prac- 
tice of  Holland,  in  giving  such  names  as  the  "  Lust  in  Eust "  to  their  villas,  it  has  not 
only  passed  out  of  sight,  but  out  of  mind.  In  the  other  country,  as  one  moves  along 
the  canals,  he  sees  names  of  this  character,  painted  on  different  objects,  every  mile  he 
advances,  and  admires  the  contentment  which  is  satisfied  with  a  summer-house,  a  pipe, 
a  canal,  a  meadow  that  is  almost  *under  water,  and,  indeed,  with  a  country  that  is  what 
seamen  term  "  awash."  But  nothing  of  this  sort  was  ever  seen  here.  The  fine  natural 
scenery  forbade  it ;  and  a  villa  on  the  banks  of  the  Hudson  was  a  residence  that  pos- 
sessed in  itself  advantages  to  set  at  naught  such  small  contrivances  of  luxury. 

Some  persons  may  object  to  the  manner  in  which  we  have  sketched  the  conduct  and 
character  of  Cornbury.  "We  believe,  however,  that  the  truth  is  not  exceeded  in  any 
thing  said  of  this  individual,  who  would  seem  to  have  had  neither  dignity,  self-respect, 
nor  principles.  The  fact  that  he  remained  in  this  country  a  prisoner  for  debt,  is  histori- 
cal, his  creditors  most  probably  hoping  to  extort  from  Anne  further  concessions  in  be- 
half of  her  worthless  relative. 


4 


PREFACE. 


As  for  the  Patroon  of  Kinderhook,  the  genus  seems  ahout  to  expire  among  us.  Not 
only  are  we  to  have  no  more  patroons,  but  the  decree  has  gone  forth  from  the  virtuous 
and  infallible  voters  that  there  are  to  be  no  more  estates. 

"  All  the  realm  shall  be  in  common,  and  in  Cheapside  shall  my  palfrey  go  to  grass." 

The  collected  wisdom  of  the  State  has  decided  that  it  is  true  policy  to  prevent  the  afflu- 
ent from  investing  their  money  in  land !  The  curse  of  mediocrity  weighs  upon  us,  and 
its  blunders  can  be  repaired  only  through  the  hard  lessons  of  experience. 

This  book  was  written  in  Italy,  and  first  printed  (in  English)  in  Germany.  To  the 
last  circumstance  is  probably  owing  the  great  number  of  typographical  errors  that  are 
to  be  found  in  it.  The  American  compositor,  however,  quite  likely  conceiving  that  he 
had  a  right  to  correct  the  blunders  of  a  foreigner,  has  taken  the  law  into  his  own  hands, 
and  exercised  a  sovereign  power  over  our  labors.  That  our  good  old-fashioned  mode 
of  spelling  should  receive  the  modern  improvements  was,  perhaps,  unavoidable ;  but 
surely,  we  never  spelt  "  coamings  "  (of  a  hatch),  "  combings ;  "  "  rullock,"  "  oar-lock,"  or 
"row-lock;  "  or  made  many  other  similar  '"long-shore"  blunders  that  are  to  be  found 
in  the  original  editions  of  this  book. 

Care  has  been  had  to  do  ourselves  justice  in  these  particulars,  and  we  think  that  the 
book  is  more  improved,  in  all  these  respects,  in  the  present  edition,  than  any  other  work 
that  has  passed  through  our  hands. 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


CHAPTER  I. 

"  What,  shall  this  speech  be  spoke  for  our  excuse, 
Or  shall  we  on  without  apology?  " 

Romeo  and  Juliet. 

The  fine  estuary  which  penetrates  the  Amer- 
ican coast  between  the  fortieth  and  forty-first 
degrees  of  latitude,  is  formed  by  the  confluence 
of  the  Hudson,  the  Hackensack,  the  Passaic,  the 
Raritan,  and  a  multitude  of  smaller  streams ;  all 
of  which  pour  their  tribute  into  the  ocean  within 
the  space  named.  The  islands  of  Nassau  and 
Staten  are  happily  placed  to  exclude  the  tempests 
of  the  open  sea,  while  the  deep  and  broad  arms 
of  the  latter  offer  every  desirable  facility  for  for- 
eign trade  and  internal  intercourse.  To  this  for- 
tunate disposition  of  land  and  water,  with  a  tem- 
perate climate,  a  central  position,  and  an  immense 
interior,  that  is  now  penetrated  in  every  direction 
either  by  artificial  or  by  natural  streams,  the  city 
of  New  York  is  indebted  for  its  extraordinary 
prosperity.  Though  not  wanting  in  beauty,  there 
are  many  bays  that  surpass  this  in  the  charms  of 
scenery ;  but  it  may  be  questioned  if  the  world 
possesses  another  site  that  unites  so  many  natural 
advantages  for  the  growth  and  support  of  a  wide- 
ly-extended commerce.  As  if  never  wearied  with 
her  kindness,  Nature  has  placed  the  island  of 
Manhattan  at  the  precise  point  that  is  most  de- 
sirable for  the  position  of  a  town.  Millions 
might  inhabit  the  spot,  and  yet  a  ship  should  load 
near  every  door ;  and,  while  the  surface  of  the 
land  just  possesses  the  inequalities  that  are  re- 
quired for  health  and  cleanliness,  its  bosom  is 
filled  with  the  material  most  needed  in  construc- 
tion. 

The  consequences  of  so  unusual  a  concurrence 
of  favorable  circumstances,  are  well  known.  A 
vigorous,  healthful,  and  continued  growth,  that 


has  no  parallel  even  in  the  history  of  this  extraor- 
dinary and  fortunate  country,  has  already  raised 
the  insignificant  provincial  town  of  the  last  cen- 
tury to  the  level  of  the  second-rate  cities  of  the 
other  hemisphere.  The  New  Amsterdam  of  this 
continent  already  rivals  its  parent  of  the  other ; 
and,  so  far  as  human  powers  may  pretend  to 
predict,  a  few  fleeting  years  will  place  her  on  a 
level  with  the  proudest  capitals  of  Europe. 

It  would  seem  that,  as  Nature  has  given  its 
periods  to  the  stages  of  animal  life,  it  has  also 
set  limits  to  all  moral  and  political  ascendency. 
While  the  city  of  the  Medici  is  receding  from  its 
crumbling  walls,  like  the  human  form  shrinking 
into  "  the  lean  and  slippered  pantaloon,"  the  Queen 
of  the  Adriatic  sleeping  on  her  muddy  isles,  and 
Rome  itself  is  only  to  be  traced  by  fallen  temples 
and  buried  columns,  the  youthful  vigor  of  Amer- 
ica is  fast  covering  the  wilds  of  the  West  with  the 
happiest  fruits  of  human  industry. 

By  the  Manhattanese  who  is  familiar  with  the 
forest  of  masts,  the  miles  of  wharves,  the  count- 
less villas,  the  hundred  churches,  the  castles,  the 
smoking  and  busy  vessels  that  crowd  his  bay,  the 
daily  increase  and  the  general  movement  of  his 
native  town,  the  picture  we  are  about  to  sketch 
will  scarcely  be  recognized.  He  who  shall  come 
a  generation  later  will  probably  smile,  that  sub- 
ject of  admiration  should  have  been  found  in  the 
existing  condition  of  the  city ;  and  yet  we  shall 
attempt  to  carry  the  recollections  of  the  reader 
but  a  century  back  in  the  brief  history  of  his 
country. 

As  the  sun  rose  on  the  morning  of  the  3d  of 
June,  the  report  of  a  cannon  was  heard 

rolling  along  the  waters  of  the  Hudson.  Smoke 
issued  from  an  embrasure  of  a  small  fortress,  that 
stood  on  the  point  of  land  where  the  river  and 
the  bay  mingle  their  waters.  The  explosion  was 
followed  by  the  appearance  of  a  flag,  which,  as 


6 


THE  WATER- WITCH. 


it  rose  to  the  summit  of  its  staff  and  unfolded 
itself  heavily  in  the  light  current  of  air,  showed 
the  blue  field  and  red  cross  of  the  English  en- 
sign. At  the  distance  of  several  miles,  the  dark 
masts  of  a  ship  were  to  be  seen,  faintly  relieved 
by  the  verdant  background  of  the  heights  of 
Staten  Island.  A  little  cloud  floated  over  this 
object,  and  then  an  answering  signal  came  dull 
and  rumbling  to  the  town.  The  flag  that  the 
cruiser  set  was  not  visible  in  the  distance. 

At  the  precise  moment  that  the  noise  of  the 
first  gun  was  heard,  the  door  of  one  of  the  princi- 
pal dwellings  of  the  town  opened,  and  a  man,  who 
might  have  been  its  master,  appeared  on  its 
stoop,  as  the  ill-arranged  entrances  of  the  build- 
ings of  the  place  are  still  termed.  He  was  seem- 
ingly prepared  for  some  expedition  that  was  like- 
ly to  consume  the  day.  A  black  of  middle  age 
followed  the  burgher  to  the  threshold;  and  an- 
other negro,  who  had  not  yet  reached  the  stature 
of  manhood,  bore  under  his  arm  a  small  bundle, 
that  probably  contained  articles  of  the  first  ne- 
cessity to  the  comfort  of  his  master. 

"  Thrift,  Mr.  Euclid,  thrift  is  your  true  philos- 
opher's stone,"  commenced,  or  rather  continued 
in  a  rich,  full-mouthed  Dutch,  the  proprietor  of 
the  dwelling,  who  had  evidently  been  giving  a 
leave-taking  charge  to  his  principal  slave,  before 
quitting  the  house — "  thrift  hath  made  many  a 
man  rich,  but  it  never  yet  brought  any  one  to 
want.  It  is  thrift  which  has  built  up  the  credit 
of  my  house,  and,  though  it  is  said  by  myself,  a 
broader  back  and  firmer  base  belongs  to  no  mer- 
chant in  the  colonies.  You  are  but  the  reflection 
of  your  master's  prosperity,  you  rogue,  and  so 
much  the  greater  need  that  you  look  to  his  inter- 
ests. If  the  substance  is  wasted,  what  will  be- 
come of  the  shadow  ?  When  I  get  delicate,  you 
will  sicken ;  when  I  am  a-hungered,  you  will  be 
famished;  when  I  die,  you  may  be — ahem — 
Euclid.  I  leave  thee  in  charge  with  goods  and 
chattels,  house  and  stable,  with  my  character  in 
the  neighborhood.  I  am  going  to  the  Lust  in 
Rust,  for  a  mouthful  of  better  air.  Plague  and 
fevers !  I  believe  the  people  will  continue  to 
come  into  this  crowded  town,  until  it  gets  to  be 
as  pestilent  as  Rotterdam  in  the  dog-days.  You 
have  now  come  to  years  when  a  man  obtains  his 
reflection,  boy,  and  I  expect  suitable  care  and  dis- 
cretion about  the  premises,  while  my  back  is 
turned.  Now,  harkee,  sirrah :  I  am  not  entirely 
pleased  with  the  character  of  thy  company.  It 
is  not  altogether  as  respectable  as  becomes  the 
confidential  servant  of  a  man  of  a  certain  station 
in  the  world.  There  are  thy  two  cousins,  Brom 
and  Kobus,  who  are  no  better  than  a  couple  of 


blackguards ;  and  as  for  the  English  negro,  Dio- 
mede — he  is  a  devil's  imp !  Thou  hast  the  other 
locks  at  disposal,  and,"  drawing  with  visible  re- 
luctance the  instrument  from  his  pocket,  "  here 
is  the  key  of  the  stable.  Not  a  hoof  is  to  quit  it, 
but  to  go  to  the  pump  ;  and  see  that  each  animal 
has  its  food  to  a  minute.  The  devil's  roisterers ! 
a  Manhattan  negro  takes  a  Flemish  gelding  for  a 
gaunt  hound  that  is  never  out  of  breath,  and  away 
he  goes  at  night,  scampering  along  the  highways 
like  a  Yankee  witch  switching  through  the  air  on 
a  broomstick ;  but  mark  me,  Master  Euclid,  I 
have  eyes  in  my  head,  as  thou  knowest  by  bitter 
experience!  D'ye  remember,  ragamuffin,  the 
time  when  I  saw  thee,  from  the  Hague,  riding  the 
beasts,  as  if  the  devil  spurred  them,  along  the 
dike  of  Leyden,  without  remorse  as  without 
leave?" 

"  I  alway  b'rieve  some  make-mischief  tell 
masser  dat  time,"  returned  the  negro,  sulkily, 
though  not  without  doubt. 

"  His  own  eyes  were  the  tell-tales.  If  masters 
had  no  eyes,  a  pretty  world  would  the  negroes 
make  of  it !  I  have  got  the  measure  of  every 
black  heel  on  the  island  registered  in  the  big  book 
you  see  me  so  often  looking  into,  especially  on 
Sundays ;  and,  if  either  of  the  tire-legs  I  have 
named  dares  to  enter  my  grounds,  let  him  expect 
to  pay  a  visit  to  the  city  provost.  What  do  the 
wild-cats  mean  ?  Do  they  think  that  the  geldings 
were  bought  in  Holland,  with  charges  for  break- 
ing in,  shipment,  insurance,  freight,  and  risk  of 
diseases,  to  have  their  flesh  melted  from  their  ribs 
like  a  cook's  candle  ?  " 

"  Ere  no'tin'  done  in  all  'e  island,  but  a  color' 
man  do  him !  He  do  a  mischief,  and  he  do  all  a 
work,  too !  I  won'er  what  color'  masser  t'ink 
war'  Captain  Kidd  ?  " 

"  Black  or  white,  he  was  a  rank  rogue ;  and 
you  see  the  end  he  came  to.  I  warrant  you,  now, 
that  water-thief  began  his  iniquities  by  riding  the 
neighbors'  horses  at  night.  His  fate  should  be  a 
warning  to  every  nigger  in  the  colony.  The  imps 
of  darkness !  The  English  have  no  such  scarcity 
of  rogues  at  home,  that  they  could  not  spare  us 
the  pirate  to  hang  up  on  one  of  the  islands,  as  a 
scarecrow  to  the  blacks  of  Manhattan." 

"  Well,  I  t'ink  'e  sight  do  a  white  man  some 
good,  too,"  returned  Euclid,  who  had  all  the  per- 
tinacity of  a  spoiled  Dutch  negro,  singularly 
blended  with  affection  for  him  in  whose  service 
he  had  been  born.  "  I  hear  ebbery  body  say, 
'ere  war'  but  two  color'  man  in  he  ship,  and  'em 
both  war'  Guinea-born." 

"  A  modest  tongue,  thou  midnight  scamper ! 
look  to  my  geldings. — Here — here  are  two  Dutch 


ALDERMAN  MYNDERT  VAN  BEVEROUT. 


7 


florins,  three  stivers,  and  a  Spanish  pistareen,  for 
thee  ;  one  of  the  florins  is  for  thy  old  mother,  and 
with  the  others  thou  canst  lighten  thy  heart  in 
the  Paus  merrymakings — if  I  hear  that  either  of 
thy  rascally  cousins,  or  the  English  Diomede,  has 
put  a  leg  across  beast  of  mine,  it  will  be  the  worse 
for  all  Africa  !  Famine  and  skeletons  !  here  have 
I  been  seven  years  trying  to  fatten  the  nags,  and 
they  still  look  more  like  weasels  than  a  pair  of 
solid  geldings." 

The  close  of  this  speech  was  rather  muttered 
in  the  distance,  and  by  way  of  soliloquy,  than 
actually  administered  to  the  namesake  of  the 
great  mathematician.  The  air  of  the  negro  had 
been  a  little  equivocal  during  the  parting  admoni- 
tion. There  was  an  evident  struggle  in  his  mind 
between  an  innate  love  of  disobedience  and  a  se- 
cret dread  of  his  master's  means  of  information., 
So  long  as  the  latter  continued  in  sight,  the  black 
watched  his  form  in  doubt ;  and,  when  it  had 
turned  a  corner,  he  stood  at  a  gaze  for  a  moment 
with  a  negro  on  a  neighboring  stoop  ;  then  both 
shook  their  heads  significantly,  laughed  aloud, 
and  retired.  That  night  the  confidential  servant 
attended  to  the  interests  of  his  absent  master 
with  a  fidelity  and  care  which  proved  he  felt  his 
own  existence  identified  with  that  of  a  man  who 
claimed  so  close  a  right  in  his  person  ;  and,  just 
as  the  .clock  struck  ten,  he  and  the  negro  last 
mentioned  mounted  the  sluggish  and  over-fat- 
tened horses,  and  galloped  as  hard  as  foot 
could  be  laid  to  the  earth,  several  miles  deeper 
into  the  island,  to  attend  a  frolic  at  one  of  the 
usual  haunts  of  the  people  of  their  color  and  con- 
dition. 

Had  Alderman  Myndert  Van  Beverout  sus- 
pected the  calamity  which  was  so  soon  to  succeed 
his  absence,  it  is  probable  that  his  mien  would 
have  been  less  composed,  as  he  pursued  his  way 
from  his  own  door,  on  the  occasion  named.  That 
he  had  confidence  in  the  virtue  of  his  menaces, 
however,  may  be  inferred  from  the  tranquillity 
which  immediately  took  possession  of  features 
all  were  never  disturbed  without  wearing  an 
appearance  of  unnatural  effort.  The  substantial 
burgher  was  a  little  turned  of  fifty ;  and  an  Eng- 
lish wag,  who  had  imported  from  the  mother- 
country  a  love  for  the  humor  of  his  nation,  had 
once,  in  a  conflict  of  wits  before  the  city  council, 
described  him  to  be  a  man  of  alliterations. 
When  called  upon  to  explain  away  this  breach  of 
parliamentary  decorum,  the  punster  had  got  rid 
of  the  matter  by  describing  his  opponent  to  be 
"  short,  solid,  and  sturdy  in  stature ;  full,  flushed 
and  funny  in  face ;  and  proud,  ponderous,  and 
pragmatical  in  propensities."    But,  as  is  usual,  in 


all  sayings  of  effort,  there  was  more  smartness 
than  truth  in  this  description  ;  though,  after  mak- 
ing a  trifling  allowance  for  the  coloring  of  politi- 
cal rivalry,  the  reader  may  receive  its  physical 
portion  as  sufficiently  descriptive  to  answer  all 
the  necessary  purposes  of  this  tale.  If  we  add, 
that  he  was  a  trader  of  great  wealth  and  shrewd- 
ness, and  a  bachelor,  we  need  say  no  more  in  this 
stage  of  the  narrative. 

Notwithstanding  the  early  hour  at  which  this 
industrious  and  flourishing  merchant  quitted  his 
abode,  his  movement  along  the  narrow  streets  of 
his  native  town  was  measured  and  dignified. 
More  than  once  he  stopped  to  speak  to  some  fa- 
vorite family-servant,  invariably  terminating  his 
inquiries  after  the  health  of  the  master,  by  some^ 
facetious  observation  adapted  to  the  habits  and 
•capacity  of  the  slave.  From  this  it  would  seem, 
that,  while  he  had  so  exaggerated  notions  of  do- 
mestic discipline,  the  worthy  burgher  was  far  from 
being  one  who  indulged,  by  inclination,  in  the 
menaces  he  has  been  heard  to  utter.  He  had  just 
dismissed  one  of  these  loitering  negroes,  when,  on 
turning  a  corner,  a  man  of  his  own  color,  for  tKe 
first  time  that  morning,  suddenly  stood  before 
him.  The  startled  citizen  made  an  involuntary 
movement  to  avoid  the  unexpected  interview, 
and  then,  perceiving  the  difficulty  of  such  a  step, 
he  submitted  with  as  good  a  grace  as  if  it  had 
been  one  of  his  own  seeking. 

"  The  orb  of  day — the  morning  gun— and  Mr. 
Alderman  Van  Beverout ! "  exclaimed  the  indi- 
vidual encountered.  "  Such  is  the  order  of 
events,  at  this  early  hour,  on  each  successive  rev- 
olution of  our  earth." 

The  countenance  of  the  alderman  had  barely 
time  to  recover  its  composure,  ere  he  was  required 
to  answer  to  this  free  and  somewhat  facetious 
salutation.  Uncovering  his  head,  he  bowed  so 
ceremoniously  as  to  leave  the  other  no  reason  to 
exult  in  his  pleasantry,  as  he  answered  : 

"  The  colony  has  reason  to  regret  the  services 
of  a  governor  who  can  quit  his  bed  so  soon. 
That  we  of  business  habits  stir  betimes  is  quite 
in  reason  ;  but  there  are  those  in  this  town  who 
would  scarce  believe  their  eyes  did  they  enjoy  my 
present  happiness." 

"  Sir,  there  are  many  in  this  colony  who  have 
great  reason  to  distrust  their  senses,  though  none 
can  be  mistaken  in  believing  they  see  Alderman 
Van  Beverout  in  a  well-employed  man.  He  that 
dealeth  in  the  produce  of  the  beaver  must  have  the 
animal's  perseverance  and  forethought !  Now 
were  I  a  king-at-arms,;there  should  be  a  conces- 
sion made  in  thy  favor,  Myndert,  of  a  shield 
bearing  the  animal  mordant,  a  mantle  of  fur,  with 


8 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


two  Mohawk  hunters  for  supporters,  and  the  mot- 
to, '  Industry.'  " 

"  Or  what  think  you,  my  lord,"  returned  the 
other,  who  did  not  more  than  half  relish  the  pleas- 
antry of  his  companion,  "  of  a  spotless  shield  for 
a  clear  conscience,  with  an  open  hand  for  a  crest, 
and  the  motto,  '  Frugality  and  Justice  ?  '  " 

"  I  like  the  open  hand,  though  the  conceit  is 
pretending,,  I  see  you  would  intimate  that  the 
Van  Beverouts  have  not  need,  at  this  late  day,  to 
search  a  herald's  office  for  honors.  I  remember, 
now  I  bethink  me,  on  some  occasion  to  have  seen 
their  bearings,  a  windmill,  courant;  dike,  cou- 
lant ;  field,  vert  sprinkled  with  black  cattle — no ! 
then,  memory  is  treacherous ;  the  morning  air  is 
^pregnant  with  food  for  the  imagination." 

"  Which  is  not  a  coin  to  satisfy  a  creditor, 
my  lord,"  said  the  caustic  Myndert. 

"  Therein  has  truth  been  pithily  spoken. 
This  is  an  ill-judged  step,  Alderman  Van  Beverout, 
that  lets  a  gentleman  out  by  night,  like  the  ghost 
in '  Hamlet,'  to  flee  into  the  narrow  house  with  the 
crowing  of  the  cock.  The  ear  of  my  royal  cous- 
in hath  been  poisoned,  worse  than  was  the  ear 
of  '  murdered  Denmark,'  or  the  partisans  of 
this  Mister  Hunter  would  have  little  cause  to  tri- 
umph." 

"  Is  it  not  possible  to  give  such  pledges  to  those 
who  have  turned  the  key,  as  will  enable  your 
lordship  to  apply  the  antidote  ?  " 

The  question  struck  a  chord  that  changed  the 
whole  manner  of  the  other.  His  air,  which  had 
borne  the  character  of  a  genteel  trifler,  became 
more  grave  and  dignified ;  and  notwithstanding 
there  was  the  evidence  of  a  reckless  disposition 
in  his  features,  dress,  and  carriage,  his  tall  and 
not  ungraceful  form,  as  he  walked  slowly  onward, 
by  the  side  of  the  compact  alderman,  was  not 
without  much  of  that  insinuating  ease  and  bland- 
ishment which  long  familiarity  with  good  com- 
pany can  give  even  to  the  lowest  moral  worth. 

"  Your  question,  worthy  sir,  manifests  great 
goodness  of  heart,  and  corroborates  that  reputa- 
tion for  generosity  the  world  so  freely  gives.  It 
is  true  that  the  queen  has  been  persuaded  to 
sign  the  mandate  of  my  recall,  and  it  is  certain 
that  Mr.  Hunter  has  the  government  of  the  col- 
ony ;  but  these  are  facts  that  might  be  reversed, 
were  I  once  in  a  position  to  approach  my  kins- 
woman. I  do  not  disclaim  certain  indiscretions, 
sir ;  it  would  ill  become  me  to  deny  them,  in  pres- 
ence of  one  whose  virtue  is  as  severe  as  that  of 
Alderman  Van  Beverout.  T  have  my  failings ; 
perhaps,  as  you  have  just  been  pleased  to  inti- 
mate, it  would  have  been  better  had  my  motto 
been  frugality  ;  but  the  open  hand,  dear  sir,  is  a . 


part  of  the  design  you  will  not  deny  me,  either. 
If  I  have  weaknesses,  my  enemies  cannot  refuse 
to  say  that  I  never  yet  deserted  a  friend." 

"Not  having  had  occasion  to  tax  your  friend- 
ship, I  shall  not  be  the  first  one  to  make  the 
charge." 

"  Your  impartiality  has  come  to  be  a  proverb  ! 
'As  honest  as  Alderman  Van  Beverout,'  1  as  gen- 
erous as  Alderman  Van  Beverout,'  are  terms  in 
each  man's  mouth ;  some  say  '  as  rich ' "  (the 
small  blue  eye  of  the  burgher  twinkled).  "  But 
honesty,  and  riches,  and  generosity,  are  of  little 
value,  without  influence.  Men  should  have  their 
natural  consideration  in  society.  Now  is  this 
colony  rather  Dutch  than  English,  and  yet,  you 
see,  how  few  names  are  found  in  the  list  of  the 
Council,  that  have  been  known  in  the  province 
half  a  century !  Here  are  your  Alexanders  and 
Heathcotes,  your  Morrises  and  Kennedies,  De  Lan- 
ceys  and  Livingstons,  filling  the  Council  and  the 
legislative  halls ;  but  we  find  few  of  the  Van  Rens- 
selaers,  Van  Courtlandts,  Van  Schuylers,  Stuyve- 
sants,  Van  Beekmans,  and  Van  Beverouts,  in 
their  natural  stations.  All  nations  and  religions 
have  precedency,  in  the  royal  favor,  over  the 
children  of  the  Patriarchs.  The  Bohemian  Felip- 
ses ;  the  Huguenot  De  Lanceys,  and  Bayards,  and 
Jays  ;  the  king-hating  Morrises  and  Ludlows — in 
short,  all  have  greater  estimation  in  the  eyes  of 
government  than  the  most  ancient  patroon  ! " 

"  This  has  long  and  tudy  been  the  case.  I 
cannot  remember  when  it  was  otherwise." 

"  It  may  not  be  denied.  But  it  would  little 
become  political  discretion  to  affect  precipitancy 
in  the  judgment  of  character.  If  my  own  admin- 
istration can  be  stigmatized  with  the  same  ap- 
parent prejudice,  it  proves  the  clearer  how  strong 
is  misrepresentation  at  home.  Time  was  wanting 
to  enlighten  my  mind,  and  that  time  has  been  re- 
fused me.  In  another  year,  my  worthy  sir,  the 
Council  should  have  been  filled  with  Vans ! " 

"  In  such  a  case,  my  lord,  the  unhappy  con- 
dition in  which  you  are  now  placed  might  indeed 
have  been  avoided." 

"Is  it  too  late  to  arrest  the  evil?  It  is  time 
Anne  had  been  undeceived,  and  her  mind  regained. 
There  wanteth  nothing  to  such  a  consummation 
of  justice,  sir,  but  opportunity.  It  touches  me  to 
the  heart,  to  think  that  this  disgrace  should  be- 
fall one  so  near  the  royal  blood  !  'Tis  a  spot  on 
the  escutcheon  of  the  crown  that  all  loyal  sub- 
jects must  feel  desirous  to  efface,  and  so  small  an 
effort  would  effect  the  object,  too,  with  certain — 
Mr.  Alderman  Myndert  Van  Beverout — ?  " 

"  My  lord,  late  governor,"  returned  the  other, 
observing  that  his  companion  hesitated. 


LORD  CORNBURY. 


9 


"  What  think  you  of  this  Hanoverian  settle- 
ment ?— Shall  a  German  wear  the  crown  of  a 
Plantagenet  ?  " 

"  It  hath  been  worn  by  a  Hollander." 

"  Aptly  answered  !  Worn,  and  worn  worthi- 
ly! There  is  affinity  between  the  people,  and 
there  is  reason  in  that  reply.  How  have  I  failed 
in  wisdom,  in  not  seeking  earlier  the  aid  of  thy 
advice,  excellent  sir !  Ah,  Myndert,  there  is  a 
blessing  on  the  enterprises  of  all  who  come  of  the 
Low  Countries ! " 

"They  are  industrious  to  earn,  and  slow  to 
squander." 

"  That  expenditure  is  the  ruin  of  many  a 
worthy  subject !  And  yet  accident — chance — 
fortune — or  whatever  you  may  choose  to  call  it, 
interferes  nefariously  at  times  with  a  gentleman's 
prosperity.  I  am  an  adorer  of  constancy  in  friend- 
ship, sir,  and  hold  the  principle  that  men  should 
aid  each  other  through  this  dark  vale  of  life. — Mr. 
Alderman  Van  Beverout — " 

"  My  Lord  Cornbury  !  " 

"  I  was  about  to  say,  that  should  I  quit  the 
province  without  expressing  part  of  the  regret  I 
feel  at  not  having  sooner  ascertained  the  merits 
of  its  original  owners,  and  your  own  in  particular, 
I  should  do  injustice  to  sensibilities  that  are  only 
too  acute  for  the  peace  of  him  who  endures 
them." 

"  Is  there,  then,  hope  that  your  lordship's 
creditor  will  relent,  or  has  the  earl  furnished 
means  to  open  the  prison-door  ?  " 

"  You  use  the  pleasantest  terms,  sir ! — but  I 
love  directness  of  language  above  all  other  quali- 
ties. No  doubt  the  prison-door,  as  you  have  so 
clearly  expressed  it,  might  be  opened,  and  lucky 
would  be  the  man  who  should  turn  the  key.  I  am 
pained  when  I  think  of  the  displeasure  of  the 
queen,  which,  sooner  or  later,  will  surely  visit  my 
luckless  persecutors.  On  the  other  hand,  I  find  re- 
lief in  thinking  of  the  favor  she  will  extend  to 
those  who  have  proved  my  friends  in  such  a 
strait.  They  that  wear  crowns  love  not  to  see 
disgrace  befall  the  meanest  of  their  blood,  for 
something  of  the  taint  may  sully  even  the  ermine 
of  majesty. — Mr.  Alderman —  ?" 

"  My  lord!" 

" — How  fare  the  Flemish  geldings  ?  " 

"Bravely,  and  many  thanks,  my  lord;  the, 
rogues  are  fat  as  butter  !  There  is  hope  of  a 
little  rest  for  the  innocent,  since  business  calls  me 
to  the  Lust  in  Rust.  There  should  be  a  law, 
lord  governor,  to  gibbet  the  black  that  rides  a 
beast  at  night." 

"  I  bethought  of  some  condign  punishment 
for  so  heartless  a  crime,  but  there  is  little  hope 


for  it  under  the  administration  of  this  Mr.  Hunter. 
Yes,  sir,  were  I  once  more  in  the  presence  of  my 
royal  cousin,  there  would  quickly  be  an  end  to 
this  delusion,  and  the  colony  should  be  once  more 
restored  to  a  healthful  state.  The  men  of  a  gen- 
eration should  cease  to  lord  it  over  the  men  of  a 
century.  But  we  must  be  wary  of  letting  our 
design,  my  dear  sir,  get  wind  ;  it  is  a  truly  Dutch 
idea,  and  the  profits,  both  pecuniary  and  political, 
should  belong  to  the  gentlemen  of  that  descent-— 
My  dear  Van  Beverout — " 
"My  good  lord!" 

"  Is  the  blooming  Alida  obedient  ?  Trust  me, 
there  has  no  family  event  occurred  during  my 
residence  in  the  colony,  in  which  I  have  taken  a 
nearer  interest  than  in  that  desirable  connection. 
The  wooing  of  the  young  Patroon  of  Kinderhook 
is  an  affair  of  concern  to  the  province.  It  is  a 
meritorious  youth." 

"  With  an  excellent  estate,  my  lord." 

"  And  a  gravity  beyond  his  years." 

"  I  would  give  a  guarantee,  at  a  risk,  that 
two-thirds  of  his  income  go  to  increase  the  capi- 
tal, at  the  beginning  of  each  season." 

"  He  seems  a  man  to  live  on  air  !  " 

"  My  old  friend,  the  last  patroon,  left  noble- 
assets,"  continued  the  alderman,  rubbing  his 
hands  ;  "  besides  the  manor." 

"  Which  is  no  paddock." 

"  It  reaches  from  the  Hudson  to  the  line  of 
Massachusetts.  A  hundred  thousand  acres  of 
hill  and  bottom,  and  well  peopled  by  frugal  Hol- 
landers." 

"Respectable  in  possession,  and  a  mine  of 
gold  in  reversion  !  Such  men,  sir,  should  be  cher- 
ished. We  owe  it  to  his  station  to  admit  him  to 
a  share  of  this  our  project  to  undeceive  the  queen. 
How  superior  are  the  claims  of  such  a  gentleman 
to  the  empty  pretensions  of  your  Captain  Lud- 
low ! " 

"  He  has  truly  a  very  good  and  improving  es- 
tate." 

"  These  Ludlows,  sir,  people  that  fled  the  realm 
for  plotting  against  the  crown,  are  offensive  to  a 
loyal  subject.  Indeed,  too  much  of  this  objection 
may  be  imputed  to  many  in  the  province,  that 
come  of  English  blood.  I  am  sorry  to  say  that 
they  are  fomenters  of  discord,  disturbers  of  the 
public  mind,  and  captious  disputants  about  pre- 
rogatives and  vested  rights.  But  there  is  a  re- 
pose in  the  Dutch  character  which  lends  it  digni- 
ty !  The  descendants  of  the  Hollanders  are  men 
to  be  counted  on  ;  where  we  leave  them  to-day  we 
see  them  to-morrow.  As  we  say  in  politics,  sir, 
we  know  where  to  find  them.  Does  it  not  seem 
to  you  particularly  offensive  that  this  Captain 


10 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


Ludlow  should  command  the  only  royal  cruiser 
on  the  station  ?  " 

"  I  should  like  it  better,  my  lord,  were  he  to 
serve  in  Europe,"  returned  the  alderman,  glanc- 
ing a  look  behind  him,  and  lowering  his  voice. 
"  There  was  lately  a  rumor  that  his  ship  was  in 
truth  to  be  sent  among  the  islands." 

"  Matters  are  getting  very  wrong,  most  worthy 
sir ;  and  the  greater  the  necessity  there  should 
be  one  at  court  to  undeceive  the  queen.  Innova- 
tors should  be  made  to  give  way  to  men  whose 
names  are  historical  in  the  colony." 

"  'Twouldbe  no  worsefor  her  majesty's  credit." 

"'Twould  be  another  jewel  in  her  crown! 
Should  this  Captain  Ludlow  actually  marry  your 
niece,  the  family  would  altogether  change  its 
character — I  have  the  worst  memory — thy  moth- 
er, Myndert,  was  a — a — " 

"  The  pious  woman  was  a  Tan  Busser." 

"  The  union  of  thy  sister  with  the  Huguenot 
then  reduces  the  fair  Alida  to  the  quality  of  a 
half-blood.  The  Ludlow  connection  would  de- 
stroy the  leaven  of  the  race  !  I  think  the  man  is 
penniless." 

"  I  cannot  say  that,  my  lord,  for  I  would  not 
willingly  injure  the  credit  of  my  worst  enemy ; 
but,  though  wealthy,  he  is  far  from  having  the 
estate  of  the  young  Patroon  of  Kinderhook." 

"He  should  indeed  be  sent  into  the  Indies. — 
Myndert—" 

"My  lord!" 

"  It  would  be  unjust  to  my  sentiments  in  fa- 
vor of  Mr.  Oloff  Van  Staats,  were  we  to  exclude 
him  from  the  advantages  of  our  project.  This 
much  shall  I  exact  from  your  friendship,  in  his 
favor;  the  necessary  sum  may  be  divided,  in 
moieties,  between  you;  a  common  bond  shall 
render  the  affair  compact ;  and  then,  as  we  shall 
be  masters  of  our  own  secret,  there  can  be  little 
doubt  of  the  prudence  of  our  measures.  The 
amount  is  written  in  this  bit  of  paper." 

"  i'wo  thousand  pounds,  my  lord !  " 

"  Pardon  me,  my  dear  sir ;  not  a  penny  more 
than  one  for  each  of  you.  Justice  to  Tan  Staats 
requires  that  you  let  him  into  the  affair.  Were 
it  not  for  the  suit  with  your  niece,  I  should  take 
the  young  gentleman  with  me,  to  push  his  for- 
tunes at  court." 

"  Truly,  my  lord,  this  greatly  exceeds  my 
means.  The  high  prices  of  furs  the  past  season, 
and  delays  in  returns,  have  placed  a  seal  upon 
our  silver — " 

"  The  premium  would  be  high." 

"  Coin  is  getting  so  scarce  daily,  that  the  face 
of  a  Carolus  is  almost  as  great  a  stranger  as  the 
face  of  a  debtor — " 


"  The  returns  certain." 

"While  one's  creditors  meet  him  at  every 
corner — " 

"  The  concern  would  be  altogether  Dutch." 

"  And  last  advices  from  Holland  tell  us  to  re- 
serve our  gold  for  some  extraordinary  movements 
in  the  commercial  world." 

"  Mr.  Alderman  Myndert  Tan  Beverout !  " 

"  My  Lord  Tiscount  Cornbury — " 

"  Plutus  preserve  thee,  sir — but  have  a  care; 
though  I  scent  the  morning  air,  and  must  return, 
it  is  not  forbid  to  tell  the  secrets  of  my  prison- 
house.  There  is  one  in  yonder  cage  who  whis- 
pers that  the  Skimmer  of  the  Seas  is  on  the 
coast !  Be  wary,  worthy  burgher,  or  the  second 
part  of  the  tragedy  of  Kidd  may  yet  be  enacted 
in  these  seas." 

"  I  leave  such  transactions  to  my  superiors," 
retorted  the  alderman,  with  another  stiff  and  cer- 
emonious bow.  "  Enterprises  that  are  said  to 
have  occupied  the  Earl  of  Bellamont,  Governor 
Fletcher,  and  my  Lord  Cornbury,  are  above  the 
ambition  of  an  humble  merchant." 

"  Adieu,  tenacious  sir ;  quiet  thine  impatience 
for  the  extraordinary  Dutch  movements  !  "  said 
Cornbury,  affecting  to  laugh,  though  he  secretly 
felt  the  sting  the  other  had  applied,  since  com- 
mon report  implicated  not  only  him,  but  his  two 
official  predecessors,  in  several  of  the  lawless  pro- 
ceedings of  the  American  buccaneers  ;  "  be  vigi- 
lant, or  la  demoiselle  Barberie  will  give  another 
cross  to  the  purity  of  the  stagnant  pool !  " 

The  bows  that  were  exchanged  were  strictly 
in  character.  The  alderman  was  unmoved,  rigid, 
and  formal,  while  his  companion  could  not  for- 
get his  ease  of  manner,  even  at  a  moment  of  so 
much  vexation.  Foiled  in  an  effort  that  nothing 
but  his  desperate  condition,  and  nearly  desperate 
character,  could  have  induced  him  to  attempt,  the 
degenerate  descendant  of  the  virtuous  Clarendon 
walked  toward  his  place  of  confinement  with  the 
step  of  one  who  assumed  a  superiority  over  his 
fellows,  and  yet  with  a  mind  so  indurated  by  ha- 
bitual depravity,  as  to  have  left  it  scarcely  the  trace 
of  a  dignified  or  virtuous  quality. 


CHAPTER  II. 

"  His  words  are  bonds,  his  oaths  are  oracles ; 
His  love  sincere,  his  thoughts  immaculate." 

Two  Gen-tlemen  of  Yebona. 

The  philosophy  of  Alderman  Tan  Beverout 
was  not  easily  disturbed.  Still  there  was  a  play 
of  the  nether  muscles  of  the  face,  which  might  be 


OLD  CUPID. 


11 


construed  into  self-complacency  at  his  victory, 
while  a  certain  contraction  of  those  which  con- 
trolled the  expression  of  the  forehead  seemed  to 
betray  a  full  consciousness  of  the  imminent  risk 
he  had  run.  The  left  hand  was  thrust  into  a 
pocket,  where  it  diligently  fingered  the  provision 
of  Spanish  coin  without  which  the  merchant  never 
left  his  abode ;  while  the  other  struck  the  cane  it 
held  on  the  pavement,  with  the  force  of  a  reso- 
lute and  decided  man.  In  this  manner  he  pro- 
ceeded in  his  walk  for  several  minutes  longer, 
shortly  quitting  the  lower  streets,  to  enter  one  that 
ran  along  the  ridge  which  crowned  the  land  in  that 
quarter  of  the  island.  Here  he  soon  stopped  be- 
fore the  door  of  a  house  which,  in  that  provincial 
town,  had  altogether  the  air  of  a  patrician  dwell- 
ing. 

Two  false  gables,  each  of  which  was  sur- 
mounted by  an  iron  weathercock,  intersected  the 
roof  of  this  building,  and  the  high  and  narrow 
stoop  was  built  of  the  red  freestone  of  the  coun- 
try. The  material  of  the  edifice  itself  was,  as 
usual,  the  small,  hard  brick  of  Holland,  painted  a 
delicate  cream-color. 

A  single  blow  of  the  massive  glittering  knock- 
er brought  a  servant  to  the  door.  The  prompti- 
tude with  which  this  summons  was  answered 
showed  that,  notwithstanding  the  early  hour,  the 
alderman  was  an  expected  guest.  The  counte- 
nance of  him  who  acted  as  porter  betrayed  no 
surprise  when  he  saw  the  person  who  applied  for 
admission,  and  every  movement  of  the  black  de- 
noted preparation  and  readiness  for  his  reception. 
Declining  his  invitation  to  enter,  however,  the 
alderman  placed  his  back  against  the  iron  railing 
of  the  stoop,  and  opened  a  discourse  with  the  ne- 
gro. The  latter  was  aged,  with  a  grizzled  head, 
a  nose  that  was  levelled  nearly  to  the  plane  of  his 
face,  features  that  were  wrinkled  and  confused, 
and  with  a  form  which,  though  still  solid,  was 
bending  with  its  load  of  years. 

"Brave  cheer  to  thee,  old  Cupid!"  com- 
menced the  burgher,  in  the  hearty  and  cordial  man- 
ner with  which  the  masters  of  that  period  were 
wont  to  address  their  indulged  slaves.  "  A  clear 
conscience  is  a  good  nightcap,  and  you  look 
bright  as  the  morning  sun !  I  hope  my  friend 
the  young  patroon  has  slept  sound  as  yourself, 
and  that  he  has  shown  his  face  already  to  prove 
it." 

The  negro  answered  with  the  slow,  clipping 
manner  that  characterized  his  condition  and 
years. 

"He'm  werry  wakeful,  Masser  Al'erman.  I 
t'ink  he  no  sleep  half  he  time  lately.  All  he 
a'tiverty  and  wiwacerty  gone,  an'  he  do  no  single 


t'ing  but  smoke.  A  gentle'um  who  smoke  alway, 
Masser  Al'erman,  get  to  be  a  melercholy  man  at 
last.  I  do  t'ink  'ere  be  one  young  lady  in  York 
who  be  he  deaf  some  time !  " 

"  We'll  find  the  means  to  get  the  pipe  out  of 
his  mouth,"  said  the  other,  looking  askance  at 
the  black,  as  if  to  express  more  than  he  uttered. 
"  Romance  and  pretty  girls  play  the  deuse  with 
our  philosophy  in  youth,  as  thou  knowest  by  ex- 
perience, old  Cupid." 

"I  no  good  for  any  t'ing  dat-a-way  now,  not'- 
ing,"  calmly  returned  the  black.  "  I  see  a  one 
time,  when  few  color'  men  in  York  hab  more  re- 
spect among  a  fair  sec',  but  dat  a  great  while  gone 
by.  Now  de  modder  of  your  Euclid,  Masser 
Al'erman,  war'  a  pretty  woman,  do'  she  hab  but 
poor  conduc'.  Den  a  war'  young  herself,  and  I 
use  to  visit  at  de  al'erman's  fadder's ;  afore  a  Eng- 
lish come,  and  when  ole  patroon  war'  a  young 
man.  Golly !  I  great  affection  for  Euclid,  do'  a 
young  dog  nebber  come  a  near  me ! " 

"  He's  a  blackguard !  My  back  is  no  sooner 
turned  than  the  rascal's  atop  of  one  of  his  mas- 
ter's geldings." 

"  He'm  werry  young,  Master  Myn'ert ;  no  one 
get  wis'om  'fore  a  gray  hair." 

"  He's  forty,  every  minute  ;  and  the  rogue  gets 
impudence  with  his  years.  Age  is  a  reverend  and 
respectable  condition,  when  it  brings  gravity  and 
thought ;  but,  if  a  young  fool  be  tiresome,  an  old 
fool  is  contemptible.  I'll  warrant  me,  you  never 
were  so  thoughtless,  or  so  heartless,  Cupid,  as  to 
ride  an  overworked  beast  at  night." 

"Well,  I  get  pretty  ole,  Masser  Myn'ert,  an' 
I  forget  all  he  do  when  a  young  man.  But  here 
be  'e  patroon,  who  know  how  to  tell  'e  al'erman 
such  t'ing  better  than  a  poor  color'  slave." 

"  A  fair  rising  and  a  lucky  day  to  you,  pa- 
troon," cried  the  alderman,  saluting  a  large,  slow- 
moving,  gentlemanly-looking  young  man  of  five- 
and-twenty,  who  advanced,  with  the  gravity  of 
one  of  twice  that  number  of  years,  from  the  inte- 
rior of  the  house  toward  its  outer  door.  "  The 
winds  are  bespoken,  and  here  is  as  fine  a  day  as 
ever  shone  out  of  a  clear  sky,  whether  it  came 
front  the  pure  atmosphere  of  Holland,  or  of  Old 
England  itself.  Colonies  and  patronage !  If  the 
people  on  the  other  side  of  the  ocean  had  more 
faith  in  Mother  Nature,  and  less  opinion  of  them- 
selves, they  would  find  it  very  tolerable  breathing  in 
the  plantations.  But  the  conceited  rogues  are 
like  the  man  who  blew  the  bellows,  and  fancied 
he  made  the  music  ;  and  there  is  never  a  hobbling 
imp  of  them  all,  but  he  believes  he  is  straighter 
and  sounder  than  the  best  in  the  colonies.  Here 
is  our  bay,  now,  as  smooth  as  if  it  were  shut  in 


12 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


with  twenty  dikes,  and  the  voyage  will  be  as 
safe  as  if  it  were  made  on  a  canal." 

"  Dat  werry  well,  if  'a  do  it,"  grumbled  Cupid, 
who  busied  himself  affectionately  about  the  per- 
son of  his  master ;  "  I  t'ink  it  alway  better  to 
travel  on  'e  land,  when  a  gentle'um  own  so  much 
as  Massa  Oloff.  Der'  war'  'e  time  a  ferry-boat  go 
down,  wid  crowd  of  people ;  and  nobody  eber 
come  up  again  to  say  how  he  feel." 

"  Here  is  some  mistake,"  interrupted  the  al- 
derman, throwing  an  uneasy  glance  at  his  young 
friend.  "I  count  four-and-fifty  years,  and  re- 
member no  such  calamity." 

"He'm  werry  sing'lar  how  a  young  folk  do 
forget !  'Ere  war'  drown  six  people  in  dat  werry 
boat.  A  two  Yankee,  a  Canada  Frenchman,  and 
a  poor  woman  from  a  Jarseys.  Eberybody  war' 
werry  sorry  for  a  poor  woman  from  a  Jerseys  ! " 

"  Thy  tally  is  false,  Master  Cupid,"  promptly 
rejoined  the  alderman,  who  was  rather  expert  at 
figures.  "  Two  Yankees,  a  Frenchman,  and  your 
Jersey  woman,  make  but  four." 

"  Well,  den,  I  s'pose1  'ere  war'  one  Yankee ; 
but  I  know  all  war'  drown,  for  'e  gubenor  lose 
he  fine  coach-horses  in  dat  werry  boat." 

"  The  old  fellow  is  right,  sure  enough ;  for  I 
remember  the  calamity  of  the  horses,  as  if  it  were 
but  yesterday.  But  Death  is  monarch  of  the 
earth,  and  none  of  us  may  hope  to  escape  his 
scythe  when  the  appointed  hour  shall  come ! 
Here  are  no  nags  to  lose  to-day ;  and  we  may 
commence  our  voyage,  patroon,  with  cheerful 
faces  and  light  hearts.    Shall  we  proceed  ?  " 

Oloff  Yan  Staats,  or  the  Patroon  of  Kinder- 
hook,  as  by  the  courtesy  of  the  colony  he  was 
commonly  termed,  did  not  want  for  personal  firm- 
ness. On  the  contrary,  like  most  df  those  who 
were  descended  from  the  Hollanders,  we  was  rath- 
er distinguished  for  steadiness  in  danger  and  ob- 
stinacy in  resistance.  The  little  skirmish  which 
had  just  taken  place  between  his  friend  and  his 
slave,  had  proceeded  from  their  several  apprehen- 
sions ;  the  one  feeling  a  sort  of  parental  interest 
in  his  safety,  and  the  other  having  particular  rea- 
sons for  wishing  him  to  persevere  in  his  intention 
to  embark,  instead  of  any  justifiable  cause  in  the 
character  of  the  young  proprietor  himself.  A 
sign  to  the  boy  who  bore  his  portmanteau,  settled 
the  controversy ;  when  Mr.  Van  Staats  intimated 
sills  readiness  to  move. 

Cupid  lingered  on  the  stoop  until  his  master 
had  turned  a  corner;  then,  shaking  his  head  with 
all  the  misgivings  of  an  ignorant  and  supersti- 
tious mind,  he  drove  the  young  fry  of  blacks, 
■who  thronged  the  door,  into  the  house,  closing 
all  after  him  with  scrupulous  care.    How  far  the 


presentiment  of  the  black  was  warranted  by  the 
event,  will  be  seen  in  the  course  of  the  narrative. 

The  wide  avenue  in  which  Oloff  Yan  Staats 
dwelt  was  but  a  few  hundred  yards  in  length. 
It  terminated,  at  one  end,  with  the  fortress,  and 
at  the  other  it  was  crossed  by  a  high  stockade, 
which  bore  the  name  of  the  city  walls ;  a  defence 
that  was  provided  against  any  sudden  irruption 
of  the  Indians,  who  then  hunted,  and  even  dwelt, 
in  some  numbers,  in  the  lower  counties  of  the  col- 
ony. 

It  requires  great  familiarity  with  the  growth 
of  the  town  to  recognize,  in  this  description,  the 
noble  street  that  now  runs  for  a  league  through 
the  centre  of  the  island.  From  this  avenue,  which 
was  then,  as  it  is  still,  called  the  Broadway,  our 
adventurers  descended  into  a  lower  quarter  of 
the  town,  holding  free  converse  by  the  way. 

"  That  Cupid  is  a  negro  to  keep  the  roof  on  a 
house,  in  its  master's  absence,  patroon,"  ob- 
served the  alderman,  soon  after  they  had  left  the 
stoop.  "  He  looks  like  a  padlock  ;  and  one  might 
sleep  without  a  dream,  with  such  a  guardian  near 
his  dwelling.  I  wish  I  had  brought  the  honest 
fellow  the  key  of  my  stable." 

"  I  have  heard  my  father  say  that  the  keys  of 
his  own  were  always  better  near  his  own  pillow," 
coolly  returned  the  proprietor  of  a  hundred  thou- 
sand acres. 

"  Ah,  the  .curse  of  Cain !  It  is  needless  to 
look  for  the  fur  of  a  marten  on  the  back  of  a 
cat.  But,  Mr.  Yan  Staats,  while  walking  to  your 
door  this  morning,  it  was  my  fortune  to  meet  the 
late  governor,  who  is  permitted  by  his  creditors 
to  take  the  air  at  an  hour  when  he  thinks  the 
eyes  of  the  impertinent  will  be  shut.  I  believe, 
patroon,  you  were  so  lucky  as  to  get  back  your 
moneys  before  the  royal  displeasure  visited  the 
man?" 

"  I  was  so  lucky  as  never  to  trust  him." 

u  That  was  better  still,  for  it  would  have  been 
a  barren  investment — great  jeopardy  to  principal, 
and  no  return.  But  we  had  discourse  of  various 
interests  ;  and,  among  others,  something  was  haz- 
arded concerning  your  amatory  pretensions  to  my 
niece." 

"  Neither  the  wishes  of  Oloff  Yan  Staats,  nor 
the  inclinations  of  la  belle  Barberie,  are  a  subject 
for  the  governor  in  council,"  said  the  Patroon  of 
Kinderhook,  stiffly. 

"  Nor  was  it  thus  treated.  The  viscount  spoke 
me  fair,  and,  had  he  not  pushed  the  matter  be- 
yond discretion,  we  might  have  come  to  happier 
conclusions." 

"  I  am  glad  that  there  was  some  restraint  in 
the  discourse." 


OLOFF  VAN  STAATS. 


13 


"  The  man  certainly  exceeded  reason,  for  he 
led  the  conference  into  personalities  that  no  pru- 
dent man  could  relish.  Still,  he  said  it  was  pos- 
sible that  the  Coquette  might  yet  be  ordered  for 
service  among  the  islands." 

It  has  been  said  that  Oloff  Yan  Staats  was  a 
fair,  personable  young  man  of  vast  stature,  and 
with  much  of  the  air  of  a  gentleman  of  his  coun- 
try ;  for,  though  a  British  subject,  he  was  rather 
a  Hollander  in  feelings,  habits,  and  opinions.  He 
colored  at  the  allusion  to  the  presence  of  his 
known  rival,  though  his  companion  was  at  a  loss 
to  discover  whether  pride  or  vexation  was  at  the 
bottom  of  his  emotion. 

"If  Captain  Ludlow  prefer  a  cruise  in  the 
Indies  to  duty  on  this  coast,  I  hope  he  may 
obtain  his  wish,"  was  the  cautious  answer. 

"Your  liberal  man  enjoys  a  sounding  name, 
and  an  empty  coffer,"  observed  the  alderman,  dryly. 
"  To  me  it  seems  that  a  petition  to  the  admiral 
to  send  so  meritorious  an  officer  on  service  where 
he  may  distinguish  himself,  should  deserve  his 
thanks.  The  freebooters  are  playing  the"  devil's 
game  with  the  sugar-trade,  and  even  the  French 
are  getting  troublesome,  farther  south." 

"  He  has  certainly  the  reputation  of  an  active 
cruiser." 

"  Blixum  and  philosophy  !  If  you  wish  to 
succeed  with  Alida,  patroon,  you  must  put  more 
briskness  into  the  adventure.  The  girl  has  a 
cross  of  the  Frenchman  in  her  temper,  and  none 
of  your  deliberations  and  taciturnities  will  gain 
the  day.  This  visit  to  the  Lust  in  Rust  is  Cupid's 
own  handiwork,  and  I  hope  to  see  you  both  re- 
turn to  town  as  amicable  as  the  stadtholder  and  the 
States-General,  after  a  sharp  struggle  for  the  year's 
subsidy  has  been  settled  by  a  compromise." 

"  The  success  of  this  suit  is  the  affair  nearest 
my — "  The  young  man  paused  as  if  surprised  at 
his  own  communicativeness  ;  and,  taking  advan- 
tage of  the  haste  in  which  his  toilet  had  been 
made,  he  thrust  a  hand  into  his  vest,  covering 
with  its  broad  palm  a  portion  of  the  human  frame 
which  poets  do  not  describe  as  the  seat  of  the 
passions. 

"  If  you  mean  stomach,  sir,  you  will  not  have 
reason  to  be  disappointed,"  retorted  the  alderman, 
a  little  more  severely  than  was  usual  with  one  so 
cautious.  "  The  heiress  of  Myndert  Van  Bever- 
out  will  not  be  a  penniless  bride,  and  Monsieur 
Barberie  did  not  close  the  books  of  life  without 
taking  good  care  of  the  balance-sheet — but  yon- 
der are  those  devils  of  ferrymen  quitting  the  wharf 
without  us! — Scamper  ahead,  Brutus,  and  tell 
them  to  wait  the  legal  minute.  The  rogues  are 
never  exact;  sometimes  starting  before  I  am 


ready,  and  sometimes  keeping  me  waiting  in  the 
sun,  as  if  I  were  no  better  than  a  dried  dunfish. 
Punctuality  is  the  soul  of  business,  and  one  of  my 
habits  does  not  like  to  be  ahead  nor  behind  his 
time." 

In  this  manner  the  worthy  burgher,  who 
would  have  been  glad  to  regulate  the  movements 
of  others,  on  all  occasions,  a  good  deal  by  his 
own,  vented  his  complaints,  while  he  and  his 
companion  hurried  on  to  overtake  the  slow-mov- 
ing boat  in  which  they  were  to  embark.  A  brief 
description  of  the  scene  will  not  be  without  inter- 
est to  a  generation  that  may  be  termed  modern 
in  reference  to  the  time  in  which  we  write. 

A  deep,  narrow  creek  penetrated  the  island,  at 
this  point,  for  the  distance  of  a  quarter  of  a  mile. 
Each  of  its  banks  had  a  row  of  buildings,  as  the 
houses  line  a  canal  in  the  cities  of  Holland.  As 
the  natural  course  of  the  inlet  was  necessarily  re- 
spected, the  street  had  taken  a  curvature  not  un- 
like that  of  a  new  moon.  The  houses  were  ultra- 
Dutch,  being  low,  angular,  fastidiously  neat,  and 
all  erected  with  their  gables  to  the  street.  Each 
had  its  ugly  and  inconvenient  entrance,  termed  a 
stoop,  its  vane  or  weather-cock,  its  dormer-win- 
dows, and  its  graduated  battlement-walls.  Near 
the  apex  of  one  of  the  latter  a  little  iron  crane 
projected  into  the  street.  A  small  boat  of  the 
same  metal  swung  from  its  end — a  sign  that  the 
building  to  which  it  was  appended  was  the  ferry- 
house. 

An  inherent  love  of  artificial  and  confined 
navigation  had  probably  induced  the  burghers  to 
select  this  spot  as  the  place  whence  so  many  craft 
departed  from  the  town ;  since  it  is  certain  that 
the  two  rivers  could  have  furnished  divers  points 
more  favorable  for  such  an  object,  inasmuch  as 
they  possess  the  advantage  of  wide  and  unob- 
structed channels. 

Fifty  blacks  were  already  in  the  street,  dipping 
their  brooms  into  the  creek,  and  flourishing  water 
over  the  sidewalks,  and  on  the  fronts  of  the  low 
edifices.  This  light  but  daily  duty  was  relieved 
by  clamorous  collisions  of  wit,  and  by  shouts  of 
merriment,  in  which  the  whole  street  would  join, 
as  with  one  joyous  and  reckless  movement  of  the 
spirit. 

The  language  of  this  light-hearted  and  noisy 
race  was  Dutch,  already  corrupted  by  English 
idioms,  and  occasionally  by  English  words  —  a 
system  of  change  that  has  probably  given  rise  to 
an  opinion,  among  some  of  the  descendants  of 
the  earlier  colonists  that  the  latter  tongue  is 
merely  a  patois  of  the  former.  This  opinion, 
which  so  much  resembles  that  certain  well-read 
English  scholars  entertained  of  the  plagiarisms 


14 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


of  the  Continental  writers,  when  they  first  began 
to  dip  into  their  works,  is  not  strictly  true ;  since 
the  language  of  England  has  probably  bestowed 
as  much  on  the  dialect  of  which  we  speak,  as  it 
has  ever  received  from  the  purer  sources  of  the 
school  of  Holland.  Here  and  there  a  grave 
burgher,  still  in  his  nightcap,  might  be  seen  with 
a  head  thrust  out  of  an  upper  window,  listening 
to  these  barbarisms  of  speech,  and  taking  note 
of  all  the  merry  jibes  that  flew  from  mouth  to 
mouth  with  an  indomitable  gravity  that  no  levity 
of  those  beneath  could  undermine. 

As  the  movement  of  the  ferry-boat  was  neces- 
sarily slow,  the  alderman  and  his  companion  were 
enabled  to  step  into  it  before  the  fasts  were 
thrown  aboard.  The  periagua,  as  the  craft  was 
called,  partook  of  a  European  and  an  American 
character.  It  possessed  the  length,  narrowness, 
and  clean  bow  of  the  canoe,  from  which  its  name 
was  derived,  with  the  flat  bottom  and  lee-boards  of 
a  boat  constructed  for  the  shallow  waters  of  the 
Low  Countries.  Twenty  years  ago  vessels  of  this 
description  abounded  in  our  rivers,  and  even  now 
their  two  long  and  unsupported  masts,  and  high, 
narrow-headed  sails  are  daily  seen  bending  like 
reeds  to  the  breeze,  and  dancing  lightly  over  the 
billows  of  the  bay.  There  is  a  variety  of  the  class 
of  a  size  and  pretension  altogether  superior  to 
that  just  mentioned,  which  deserves  a  place 
among  the  most  picturesque  and  striking  boats 
that  float.  He  who  has  had  occasion  to  navigate 
the  southern  shore  of  the  sound  must  have  often 
seen  the  vessel  to  which  we  allude.  It  is  distin- 
guished by  its  great  length,  and  masts  which, 
naked  of  cordage,  rise  from  the  hull  like  two  tall 
and  faultless  trees.  When  the  eye  runs  over  the 
daring  height  of  canvas,  the  noble  confidence  of 
the  rig,  and  sees  the  comparatively  vast  machine 
handled  with  ease  and  grace  by  the  dexterity  of 
two  fearless  and  expert  mariners,  it  excites  some 
such  admiration  as  that  which  springs  from  the 
view  of  a  severe  temple  of  antiquity.  The  naked- 
ness and  simplicity  of  the  construction,  coupled 
with  the  boldness  and  rapidity  of  its  movements, 
impart  to  the  craft  an  air  of  grandeur  that  its  or- 
dinary uses  would  not  give  reason  to  expect. 

Though,  in  some  respects,  of  singularly  aquat- 
ic habits,  the  original  colonists  of  New  York 
were  far  less  adventurous,  as  mariners,  than  their 
present  descendants.  A  passage  across  the  bay 
did  not  often  occur  in  the  tranquil  lives  of  the 
burghers ;  and  it  is  still  within  the  memory  of 
man,  that  a  voyage  between  the  two  principal 
towns  of  the  State  was  an  event  to  excite  the 
solicitude  of  friends,  and  the  anxiety  of  the  trav- 
eller.   The  perils  of  the  Tappaan  Zee,  as  one  of 


the  wider  reaches  of  the  Hudson  is  still  termed, 
was  often  dealt  with  by  the  good  wives  of  the 
colony,  in  their  relations  of  marvels  ;  and  she  who 
had  oftenest  encountered  them  unharmed,  was 
deemed  a  sort  of  marine  amazon. 


CHAPTER  III. 

"  I  have  great  comfort  from  this  fellow ;  methinks  he 
hath  no  drowning  mark  upon  him  ;  his  complexion  is  per- 
fect gallows." 

Tempest. 

It  has  been  said  that  the  periagua  was  in 
motion  before  our  two  adventurers  succeeded  in 
stepping  on  board.  The  arrival  of  the  Patroon 
of  Kinderhook  and  of  Alderman  Yan  Beverout 
was  expected,  and  the  schipper  had  taken  his  de- 
parture at  the  precise  moment  of  the  turn  in  the 
current,  in  order  to  show,  with  a  sort  of  pretend- 
ing independence  which  has  a  peculiar  charm  for 
men  in  his  situation,  that  "  time  and  tide  wait  for 
no  man."  Still  there  were  limits  to  his  decision  ; 
for,  while  he  put  the  boat  in  motion,  especial  care 
was  taken  that  the  circumstance  should  not  sub- 
ject a  customer  so  important  and  constant  as  the 
alderman,  to  any  serious  inconvenience.  When 
he  and  his  friend  had  embarked,  the  painters 
were  thrown  aboard,  and  the  crew  of  the  ferry- 
boat began  to  set  their  vessel,  in  earnest,  toward 
the  mouth  of  the  creek.  During  these  move- 
ments, a  young  negro  was  seated  in  the  bow  of 
the  periagua,  with  his  legs  dangling,  one  on  each 
side  of  the  cut-water,  forming  no  bad  apology  for 
a  figure-head.  He  held  a  conch  to  his  mouth,  and 
with  his  two  glossy  cheeks  inflated  like  those  of 
Eolus,  and  his  dark,  glittering  eyes  expressing  the 
delight  he  found  in  drawing  sounds  from  the 
shell,  he  continued  to  give  forth  the  signal  for 
departure. 

"  Put  up  the  conch,  thou  bawler  !  "  cried  the 
alderman,  giving  the  younker  a  rap  on  his  naked 
poll,  in  passing,  with  the  end  of  his  cane,  that 
might  have  disturbed  the  harmony  of  one  less 
bent  on  clamor.  "  A  thousand  windy  trumpeters 
would  be  silence  itself,  compared  to  such  a  pair  of 
lungs  ! — How  now,  Master  Schipper,  is  this  your 
punctuality,  to  start  before  your  passengers  are 
ready  ?  " 

The  undisturbed  boatman,  without  removing 
the  pipe  from  his  mouth,  pointed  to  the  bubbles 
on  the  water  which  were  already  floating  out- 
ward, a  certain  evidence  that  the  tide  was  on  the 
ebb. 

"  I  care  nothing  for  your  ins  and  outs,  your 
ebbs  and  floods,"  returned  the  alderman,  in  heat. 


THE  ALDERMAN'S  NIECE. 


15 


"  There  is  no  better  timepiece  than  the  leg  and 
eye  of  a  punctual  man.  It  is  no  more  pleasant 
to  go  before  one  is  ready,  than  to  tarry  when  all 
business  is  done.  Harkee,  Master  Schipper,  you 
are  not  the  only  navigator  in  this  bay,  nor  is 
your  craft  the  swiftest  that  was  ever  launched. 
Have  a  care ;  though  an  acquiescing  man  by  na- 
ture, I  know  how  to  encourage  an  opposition, 
when  the  public  good  seriously  calls  for  my  sup- 
port." 

To  the  attack  on  himself,  the  schipper  was 
stoically  indifferent;  but  to  impeach  the  quali- 
ties of  the  periagua  was  to  attack  one  who  de- 
pended solely  on  his  eloquence  for  vindication. 
Removing  his  pipe,  therefore,  he  rejoined  on  the 
alderman,  with  that  sort  of  freedom  that  the  stur- 
dy Hollanders  never  failed  to  use  to  all  offend- 
ers, regardless  alike  of  rank  or  personal  quali- 
ties. 

"Der  windgall  and  alderman,"  he  growled, 
in  the  dialect  of  the  country ;  "  I  should  be  glad 
to  see  the  boat  in  York  Bay  that  can  show  the 
Milkmaid  her  stern !  The  mayor  and  council- 
men  had  better  order  the  tide  to  turn  when  they 
please ;  and  then,  as  each  man  will  think  of  his 
own  pleasure,  a  pretty  set  of  whirlpools  they  will 
give  us  in  the  harbor !  " 

The  schipper,  having  delivered  himself  of  his 
sentiments  to  this  effect,  resumed  his  pipe,  like  a 
man  who  felt  he  deserved  the  meed  of  victory, 
whether  he  were  to  receive  it  or  not. 

"It  is  useless  to  dispute  with  an  obstinate 
man,"  muttered  the  alderman,  making  his  way 
through  vegetable-baskets,  butter-tubs,  and  all 
the  garniture  of  a  market-boat,  to  the  place  occu- 
pied by  his  niece,  in  the  stern-sheets.  "  Good- 
morrow  to  thee,  Alida  dear ;  early  rising  will 
make  a  flower-garden  of  thy  cheeks,  and  the 
fresh  air  of  the  Lust  in  Rust  will  give  even  thy 
roses  a  deeper  bloom." 

The  mollified  burgher  then  saluted  the  cheek 
whose  bloom  had  been  deepened  by  his  remark, 
with  a  warmth  that  showed  he  was  not  with- 
out natural  affection  ;  touched  his  hat,  in  return 
for  a  low  bow  that  he  received  from  an  aged 
white  man-servant,  in  a  clean  but  ancient  livery ; 
and  nodded  to  a  young  negress,  whose  second- 
hand finery  sufficiently  showed  she  was  a  person- 
al attendant  of  the  heiress. 

A  second  glance  at  Alida  de  Barberie  was 
scarcely  necessary  to  betray  her  mixed  descent. 
From  her  Norman  father,  a  Huguenot  of  the 
petite  noblesse,  she  had  inherited  her  raven  hair, 
the  large,  brilliant,  coal-black  eyes,  in  which  wild- 
ness  was  singularly  relieved  by  sweetness,  a  clas- 
sical and  faultless  profile,  and  a  form  which  was 


both  taller  and  more  flexible  than  commonly  fell 
to  the  lot  of  the  damsels  of  Holland.  From  her 
mother,  la  belle  Barberie,  as  the  maiden  was  of- 
ten playfully  termed,  had  received  a  skin  fair  and 
spotless  as  the  flower  of  France,  and  a  bloom 
which  rivalled  the  rich  tints  of  an  evening  sky 
in  her  native  land.  Some  of  the  embonpoint,  for 
which  the  sister  of  the  alderman  was  a  little  re- 
markable, had  descended  also  to  her  fairer 
daughter.  In  Alida,  however,  this  peculiarity  did 
not  exceed  the  fulness  which  became  her  years, 
rounding  her  person  and  softening  the  outlines  of 
her  form,  rather  than  diminishing  its  ease  and 
grace.  These  personal  advantages  were  embel- 
lished by  a  neat  but  modest  travelling-habit,  a  lit- 
tle beaver  that  was  shaded  by  a  cluster  of  droop- 
ing feathers,  and  a  mien  that,  under  the  embar- 
rassment of  her  situation,  preserved  the  happi- 
est medium  between  modesty  and  perfect  sel£ 
possession. 

When  Alderman  Van  Beverout  joined  this 
fair  creature,  in  whose  future  happiness  he  was 
fully  justified  in  taking  the  deep  interest  which 
he  has  betrayed  in  some  of  the  opening  scenes  of 
this  volume,  he  found  her  engaged  in  -i  courteous 
discourse  with  the  young  man,  who  was  general- 
ly considered  as  the  one,  among  the  numerous 
pretenders  to  her  favor,  who  was  most  likely  to 
succeed.  Had  other  cause  been  wanting,  this 
sight  alone  would  have  been  sufficient  to  restore 
his  good-humor ;  and,  making  a  place  for  himself, 
by  quietly  dispossessing  Francois,  the  domestic 
of  his  niece,  the  persevering  burgher  endeavored 
to  encourage  an  intercourse  that  he  had  reasoD 
to  think  must  terminate  in  the  result  he  both 
meditated  and  desired. 

In  the  present  effort,  however,  the  alderman 
failed.  There  is  a  feeling  which  universally  per- 
vades landsmen  and  landswomen,  when  they  first 
embark  on  an  element  to  which  they  are  stran- 
gers, that  ordinarily  shuts  their  mouths  and  ren- 
ders them  meditative.  In  the  older  and  more 
observant  travellers,  it  is  observation  and  compari- 
son ;  while  with  the  younger  and  more  suscepti- 
ble, it  is  very  apt  to  take  the  character  of  senti- 
ment. Without  stopping  to  analyze  the  cause  or 
the  consequences,  in  the  instance  of  the  patroon 
and  la  belle  Barberie  it  will  be  sufficient  to  state 
that,  in  spite  of  all  the  efforts  of  the  worthy 
burgher,  who  had  navigated  the  sluggish  creek 
too  often  to  be  the  subject  of  any  new  emotions, 
his  youthful  companions  gradually  grew  silent  and 
thoughtful.  Though  a  celibate  in  his  own  per- 
son, Myndert  had  not  now  to  learn  that  the  infant 
god  as  often  does  his  mischief  through  this  qui- 
et agency  as  in  any  other  manner.   He  became, 


16 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


therefore,  mute  in  his  turn,  watching  the  slow 
movement  of  the  periagua  with  as  much  assiduity 
as  if  he  saw  his  own  image  on  the  water. 

A  quarter  of  an  hour  of  this  characteristic, 
and  it  is  to  be  inferred  agreeable  navigation, 
brought  the  boat  to  the  mouth  of  the  inlet.  Here 
a  powerful  effort  forced  her  into  the  tide's- way,  and 
she  might  be  said  to  put  forth  on  her  voyage. 
But  while  the  black  crew  were  trimming  the  sails, 
and  making  the  other  necessary  preparations  for 
departure,  a  voice  was  heard  hailing  them  from 
the  shore,  with  an  order  rather  than  a  request, 
that  they  would  stay  their  movements. 

"  Hilloa,  the  periagua  !  "  it  cried.  "  Haul  over 
your  head-sheet,  and  jam  the  tiller  down  into  the 
lap  of  that  comfortable-looking  old  gentleman. 
Come  ;  bear  a  hand,  my  hummers !  or  your  race- 
horse of  a  craft  will  get  the  bit  into  its  mouth,  and 
run  away  with  you." 

This  summons  produced  a  pause  in  the  move- 
ments of  the  crew.  After  regarding  each  other, 
in  surprise  and  admiration,  the  watermen  drew 
the  head-sheet  over,  put  the  helm  a-lee,  without 
however  invading  the  lap  of  the  alderman,  and  the 
boat  became  stationary,  at  the  distance  of  a  few 
rods  from  the  shore.  While  the  new  passenger 
was  preparing  to  come  off  in  a  yawl,  those  who 
awaited  his  movements  had  leisure  to  examine  his 
appearance,  and  to  form  their  different  surmises 
concerning  his  character. 

It  is  scarcely  necessary  to  say  that  the  stran- 
ger was  a  son  of  the  ocean.  He  was  of  a  firmly 
knit  and  active  frame,  standing  exactly  six  feet 
in  his  stockings.  The  shoulders,  though  square, 
were  compact,  the  chest  full  and  high,  the  limbs 
round,  neat,  and  muscular — the  whole  indicating 
a  form  in  which  strength  and  activity  were  ap- 
portioned with  the  greatest  accuracy.  A  small 
bullet  head  was  set  firmly  on  its  broad  foundation, 
and  it  was  thickly  covered  with  a  mass  of  brown 
hair  that  was  already  a  little  grizzled.  The  face 
was  that  of  a  man  of  thirty,  and  it  was  worthy  of 
the  frame,  being  manly,  bold,  decided,  and  rather 
handsome ;  though  it  expressed  little  more  than 
high  daring,  perfect  coolness,  some  obstinacy, 
and  a  certain  degree  of  contempt  for  others,  that 
its  owner  did  not  always  take  the  trouble  to  con- 
ceal. The  color  was  a  rich,  deep,  and  uniform 
red,  such  as  much  exposure  is  apt  to  give  to 
men  whose  complexions  are  by  nature  light  and 
florid. 

The  dress  of  the  stranger  was  quite  as  remark- 
able as  his  person.  He  wore  a  short  pea-jacket, 
cut  tight  and  tastefully ;  a  little,  low,  and  rakish 
cap,  and  full  bell-mouthed  trousers,  all  in  a  spot- 
lessly white  duck ;  a  material  well  adapted  to  the 


season  and  the  climate.  The  first  was  made  with- 
out buttons,  affording  an  apology  for  the  use  of  a 
rich  India  shawl,  that  belted  his  body  and  kept 
the  garment  tight  to  his  frame.  Faultlessly  clean 
linen  appeared  through  the  opening  above,  and  a 
collar  of  the  same  material  fell  over  the  gay  ban- 
danna, which  was  thrown,  with  a  single  careless 
turn,  around  his  throat.  The  latter  was  a  manu- 
facture then  little  known  in  Europe,  and  its  use 
was  almost  entirely  confined  to  seamen  of  the 
long  voyage.  One  of  its  ends  was  suffered  to 
blow  about  in  the  wind,  but  the  other  was  brought 
down  with  care  over  the  chest,  where  it  was  con- 
fined, by  springing  the  blade  of  a  small  knife  with 
an  ivory  handle,  in  a  manner  to  confine  the  silk 
to  the  linen ;  a  sort  of  breast-pin  that  is  even  now 
much  used  by  mariners.  If  we  add  that  light 
canvas  slippers,  with  foul-anchors  worked  in 
worsted  upon  their  insteps,  covered  his  feet,  we 
shall  say  all  that  is  necessary  of  his  attire. 

The  appearance  of  one,  of  the  air  and  dress 
we  have  just  described,  excited  a  strong  sensation 
among  the  blacks  who  scrubbed  the  stoops  and 
pavements.  He  was  closely  attended  to  the  place 
where  he  hailed  the  periagua,  by  four  or  five 
loungers,  who  studied  his  manner  and  movements 
with  the  admiration  that  men  of  their  class  sel- 
dom fail  to  bestow  on  those  who  bear  about  them 
the  evidence  of  having  passed  lives  of  adventure, 
and  perhaps  of  hardship  and  daring.  Beckoning 
to  one  of  these  idlers  to  follow  him,  the  hero  of 
the  India  shawl  stepped  into  an  empty  boat,  and 
casting  loose  its  fast,  he  sculled  the  light  yawl 
toward  the  craft  which  was  awaiting  his  arrival. 
There  was,  in  truth,  something  in  the  reckless 
air,  the  decision,  and  the  manly  attitudes  of  so 
fine  a  specimen  of  a  seaman,  that  might  have  at- 
tracted notice  from  those  who  were  more  prac- 
tised in  the  world  than  the  little  crowd  of  admir- 
ers he  left  behind  him.  With  an  easy  play  of 
wrist  and  elbow,  he  caused  the  yawl  to  glide 
ahead  like  some  indolent  marine  animal  swim- 
ming through  its  element,  and  as  he  stood,  firm 
as  a  planted  statue,  with  a  foot  on  each  gunwale, 
there  was  much  of  that  confidence  created  by  his 
steadiness,  that  one  acquires  by  viewing  the  re- 
peated and  successful  efforts  of  a  skilful  rope- 
dancer.  When  the  yawl  reached  the  side  of  the 
periagua,  he  dropped  a  small  Spanish  coin  into 
the  open  palm  of  the  negro,  and  sprang  on  the 
side  of  the  latter,  with  an  exertion  of  muscle 
that  sent  the  little  boat  he  quitted  half-way  back 
toward  the  shore,  leaving  the  frightened  black  to 
steady  himself  in  his  rocking  tenement,  in  the 
best  manner  he  could. 

The  tread  and  posture  of  the  stranger,  when 


A  STRANGER. 


17 


he  gained  the  half-deck  of  the  periagua,  were 
finely  nautical,  and  confident  to  audacity.  He 
seemed  to  analyze  the  half-maritime  character  of 
the  crew  and  passengers  at  a  glance,  and  to  feel 
that  sort  of  superiority  over  his  companions 
which  men  of  his  profession  were  then  a  little 
too  wont  to  entertain  toward  those  whose  ambi- 
tion could  be  bounded  by  terra  Jirma.  His  eye 
turned  upward  at  the  simple  rig  and  modest 
sails  of  the  periagua,  while  his  upper  lip  curled 
with  the  knowing  expression  of  a  critic.  Then 
kicking  the  fore-sheet  clear  of  its  cleet,  and  suf- 
fering the  sail  to  fill,  he  stepped  from  one  butter- 
tub  to  another,  making  a  stepping-stone  of  the 
lap  of  a  countryman  by  the  way,  and  alighted  in 
the  stern-sheets,  in  the  midst  of  the  party  of 
Alderman  Van  Beverout,  with  the  agility  and 
fearlessness  of  a  feathered  Mercury.  With  a 
coolness  that  did  infinite  credit  to  his  powers  for 
commanding,  his  next  act  was  to  dispossess  the 
amazed  schipper  of  the  helm,  taking  the  tiller 
into  his  own  hands  with  as  much  composure  as 
if  he  were  the  every-day  occupant  of  the  post. 
When  he  saw  that  the  boat  was  beginning  to  move 
through  the  water,  he  found  leisure  to  bestow 
some  observation  on  his  fellow-voyagers.  The 
first  that  met  his  bold  and  reckless  eye  was  Fran- 
cois, the  domestic  of  Alida. 

"If  it  come  to  blow  in  squalls,  commodore," 
observed  the  intruder,  with  a  gravity  that  half 
deceived  the  attentive  Frenchman,  while  he  point- 
ed to  the  bag  in  which  the  latter  wore  his  hair, 
"  you'll  be  troubled  to  carry  your  broad  pennant. 
But  so  experienced  an  officer  has  not  put  to  sea 
without  having  a  storm-cue  in  readiness  for  foul 
weather." 

The  valet  did  not,  or  affected  not  to  under- 
stand the  allusion,  maintaining  an  air  of  dignified 
but  silent  superiority. 

"  The  gentleman  is  in  a  foreign  service,  and  does 
not  understand  an  English  mariner  !  The  worst 
that  can  come,  after  all,  of  too  much  top-hamper 
is  to  cut  away,  and  let  it  drift  with  the  scud. — 
May  I  make  bold  to  ask,  judge,  if  the  courts  have 
done  any  thing  of  late  concerning  the  freebooters 
among  the  islands  ?  " 

"  I  have  not  the  honor  to  bear  her  majesty's 
commission,"  coldly  returned  Yan  Staats  of  Kin- 
derhook,  to  whom  this  question  had  been  hardily 
put.  • 

"  The  best  navigator  is  sometimes  puzzled  by 
a  hazy  observation,  and  many  an  old  seaman  has 
taken  a  fog-bank  for  solid  ground.  Since  you 
are  not  in  the  courts,  sir,  I  wish  you  joy ;  for  it  is 
running  among  shoals  to  be  cruising  there,  wheth- 
er as  judge  or  suitor.  One  is  never  fairly  snug 
2 


and  land-locked  while  in  company  of  a  lawyer, 
and  yet  the  devil  himself  cannot  always  give  the 
sharks  a  good  offing. — A  pretty  sheet  of  water, 
friends ;  and  one  as  snug  as  rotten  cables  and 
foul  winds  can  render  desirable  is  this  bay  of 
York." 

"  You  are  a  mariner  of  the  long  voyage,"  re- 
turned the  patroon,  unwilling  that  Alida  should 
not  believe  him  equal  to  bandying  wits  with  the 
stranger. 

1 4  Long  or  short ;  Calcutta  or  Cape  Cod  ; 
dead-reckoning,  eyesight,  or  star-gazing  ;  all's  one 
to  your  real  dolphin.  The  shape  of  the  coast, 
between  Fundy  and  the  Horn,  is  as  familiar  to 
my  eye  as  an  admirer  to  this  pretty  young  lady  ; 
and  as  to  the  other  shore,  I  have  run  it  down  often- 
er  than  the  commodore  here  has  ever  set  his  pen- 
nant, blow  high  or  blow  low.  A  cruise  like  this  is 
a  Sunday  in  my  navigation ;  though  I  dare  say  you 
took  leave  of  the  wife,  blessed  the  children,  over- 
hauled the  will,  and  sent  to  ask  a  good  word  from 
the  priest,  before  you  came  aboard  ?  " 

"Had  these  ceremonies  been  observed,  the 
danger  would  not  have  been  increased,"  said  the 
young  patroon,  anxious  to  steal  a  glance  at  la 
belle  Barberie,  though  his  timidity  caused  him, 
in  truth,  to  look  the  other  way.  "  One  is  never 
nearer  danger,  for  being  prepared  to  meet  it." 

"  True ;  we  must  all  die  when  the  reckoning 
is  out.  Hang  or  drown — gibbet  or  bullet  clears 
the  world  of  a  great  deal  of  rubbish,  or  the  decks 
would  get  to  be  so  littered  that  the  vessel  could 
not  be  worked.  The  last  cruise  is  the  longest 
of  all ;  and  honest  papers,  with  a  clean  bill  of 
health,  may  help  a  man  into  port,  when  he  is 
past  keeping  the  open  sea.  How  now,  Schipper, 
what  lies  are  floating  about  the  docks  this  morn- 
ing ?  when  did  the  last  Albanyman  get  his  tub 
down  the  river  ?  or  whose  gelding  has  been  rid- 
den to  death  in  chase  of  a  witch  ?  " 

"  The  devil's  babes ! "  muttered  the  alderman, 
"  there's  no  want  of  roisterers  to  torment  such 
innocents ! " 

"Have  the  buccaneers  taken  to  praying,  or 
does  their  trade  thrive  in  this  heel  of  the  war  ?  " 
continued  the  mariner  of  the  India  shawl,  disre- 
garding the  complaint  of  the  burgher.  "  The 
times  are  getting  heavy  for  men  of  metal,  as  may 
be  seen  by  the  manner  in  which  yon  cruiser  wears 
out  her  ground-tackle,  instead  of  trying  the  open 
sea.  May  I  spring  every  spar  I  carry,  but  I 
would  have  the  boat  out,  and  give  her  an  airing 
before  to-morrow,  if  the  queen  would  condescend 
to  put  your  humble  servant  in  charge  of  the  craft ! 
The  man  lies  there  at  his  anchors  as  if  he  had  a 
good  freight  of  real  Hollands  in  hia  hold,  and  was 


18 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


waiting  for  a  few  bales  of  beaver-skins  to  barter 
for  his  strong  waters." 

As  the  stranger  coolly  expressed  his  opinion 
of  her  majesty's  ship  Coquette,  he  rolled  his 
glance  over  the  persons  of  his  companions,  suf- 
fering it  to  rest  for  a  moment,  with  a  secret  sig- 
nificance, on  the  steady  eye  of  the  burgher. 

"  Well,"  he  continued,  "  the  sloop  answers 
for  a  floating  vane  to  tell  which  way  the  tide  is 
running,  if  she  does  nothing  better ;  and  that 
must  be  a  great  assistance,  schipper,  in  the  navi- 
gation of  one  who  keeps  as  bright  a  lookout  on 
the  manner  in  which  the  world  whirls  round  as  a 
gentleman  of  your  sagacity." 

"  If  the  news  in  the  creek  be  true,"  rejoined 
the  unoffended  owner  of  the  periagua,  "  there 
will  be  other  business  for  Captain  Ludlow  and 
the  Coquette  before  many  days." 

"  Ah !  having  eaten  all  his  meat  and  bread, 
the  man  will  be  obliged  to  victual  his  ship  anew. 
'Twere  a  pity  so  active  a  gentleman  should  keep 
a  fast  in  a  brisk  tide's-way.  And  when  his  cop- 
pers are  once  more  filled,  and  the  dinner  is 
fairly  eaten,  what  dost  think  will  be  his  next 
duty?" 

"  There  is  a  report,  among  the  boatmen  of  the 
South  Bay,  that  something  was  seen  yester'night 
off  the  outer  side  of  Long  Island." 

I'll  answer  for  the  truth  of  that  rumor,  for, 
having  come  up  with  the  evening  flood,  I  saw  it 
myself." 

"  Der  duyvel's  luck !  and  what  dost  take  it  to 
be?" 

"  The  Atlantic  Ocean  ;  if  you  doubt  my  word, 
I  appeal  to  this  well-ballasted  old  gentleman  who, 
being  a  school-master,  is  able  to  give  you  latitude 
and  longitude  for  its  truth." 

"  I  am  Alderman  Van  Beverout,"  muttered 
the  object  of  this  new  attack  between  his  teeth, 
though  apparently  but  half  disposed  to  notice 
one  who  set  so  little  bounds  to  his  discourse. 

"  I  beg  a  thousand  pardons  !  "  returned  the 
strange  seaman,  with  a  grave  inclination  of  his 
body.  "  The  stolidity  of  your  worship's  counte- 
nance deceived  me.  It  may  be,  indeed,  unreason- 
able to  expect  any  alderman  to  know  the  position 
of  the  Atlantic  Ocean ! — And  yet,  gentlemen, 
on  the  honor  of  a  man  who  has  seen  much  salt- 
water in  his  time,  I  do  assure  you  the  sea  I  speak 
of  is  actually  there.  If  there  be  any  thing  on  it, 
or  in  it,  that  should  not  be  in  reason,  this  worthy 
commander  of  the  periagua  will  let  us  know  the 
rest." 

"  A  wood-boat  from  the  inlet  says  the  Skim- 
mer of  the  Seas  was  lately  seen  standing  along 
the  coast,"  returned  the  ferry-man,  in  the  tone  of 


one  who  is  certain  of  delivering  matter  of  general 
interest. 

"  Your  true  sea-dog,  who  runs  in  and  out  of 
inlets,  is  a  man  for  marvels  1 "  coolly  observed  the 
stranger.  "  They  know  the  color  of  the  sea  at 
night,  and  are  forever  steering  in  the  wind's  eye 
in  search  of  adventures.  I  wonder  more  of  them 
are  not  kept  at  making  almanacs  !  There  was  a 
mistake  concerning  a  thunder-storm  in  the  last  I 
bought,  and  all  for  the  want  of  proper  science. 
And  pray,  friend,  who  is  this  Skimmer  of  the  Seas, 
that  is  said  to  be  running  after  his  needle  like 
a  tailor  who  has  found  a  hole  in  his  neighbor's 
coat  ?  " 

"  The  witches  may  tell !  I  only  know  that  such 
a  rover  there  is,  and  that  he  is  here  to-day,  and 
there  to-morrow.  Some  say  that  it  is  only  a  craft 
of  mist  that  skims  the  top  of  the  seas  like  a  sail- 
ing water-fowl ;  and  others  think  it  is  the  sprite 
of  a  vessel  that  was  rifled  and  burnt  by  Kidd  in 
the  Indian  Ocean,  looking  for  its  gold  and  the 
killed.  I  saw  him  once  myself,  but  the  distance 
was  so  great,  and  his  manoeuvres  so  unnatural, 
that  I  could  hardly  give  a  good  account  of  his  hull 
or  rig." 

"  This  is  matter  that  don't  get  into  the  log 
every  watch  !  Whereaway,  or  in  what  seas,  didst 
meet  the  thing  ?  " 

"  'Twas  off  the  Branch.  We  were  fishing  in 
thick  weather,  and  when  the  mist  lifted  a  little, 
there  was  a  craft  seen  standing  inshore,  running 
like  a  race-horse  ;  but  while  we  got  our  anchor, 
she  had  made  a  league  of  offing  on  the  other  tack !  " 

"  A  certain  proof  of  either  her  or  your  activi- 
ty !  But  what  might  have  been  the  form  and 
shape  of  your  fly-away  ?  " 

"  Nothing  determined.  To  one  she  seemed  a 
full-rigged  and  booming  ship ;  and  another  took 
her  for  a  Bermudian  scudder;  while  to  me  she 
had  the  look  of  twenty  periaguas  built  into  a  sin- 
gle craft.  It  is  well  known,  however,  that  a  West- 
Indiaman  went  to  sea  that  night,  and  though  it 
is  now  three  years,  no  tidings  of  her  or  her  crew 
have  ever  come  to  any  in  York.  I  have  never 
gone  upon  the  banks  to  fish  since  that  day,  in  thick 
weather." 

"You  have  done  well,"  observed  the  stranger. 
"  I  have  seen  many  wonderful  sights  myself  on 
the  rolling  ocean ;  and  he  whose  business  it  is  to 
lay  between  wind  and  water  like  yo#,  my  friend, 
should  never  trust  himself  within  reach  of  one 
of  those  devil's  fliers.  I  could  tell  you  a  tale  of 
an  affair  in  the  calm  latitudes,  under  the  burning 
sun,  that  would  be  a  lesson  to  all  of  overbold 
curiosity  !  Commission  and  character  are  not  af- 
|  fairs  for  your  inshore  coasters." 


THE  SLOOP-OF-WAR. 


19 


u  We  have  time  to  hear  it,"  observed  the 
patroon,  whose  attention  had  been  excited  by  the 
discourse,  and  who  read  in  the  dark  eye  of 
Alida  that  she  felt  an  interest  in  the  expected 
narrative. 

But  the  countenance  of  the  stranger  sudden- 
ly grew  serious.  He  shook  his  head  like  one  who 
had  sufficient  reasons  for  his  silence  ;  and,  relin- 
quishing the  tiller,  he  quite  coolly  obliged  a  gap- 
ing countryman  in  the  centre  of  the  boat  to  yield 
his  place,  where  he  laid  his  own  athletic  form  at 
full  length,  folded  his  arms  on  his  breast,  and 
shut  his  eyes.  In  less  than  five  minutes,  all  with- 
in hearing  had  audible  evidence  that  this  extraor- 
dinary son  of  the  ocean  was  in  a  sound  sleep. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

*'  Be  patient,  for  the  prize  I'll  bring  thee  to, 
Shall  hoodwink  this  mischance.1' 

Tempest. 

The  air,  audacity,  and  language  of  the  un- 
known mariner,  had  produced  a  marked'  sensa- 
tion among  the  passengers  of  the  periagua.  It 
was  plain,  by  the  playfulness  that  lurked  about 
the  coal-black  eye  of  the  belle  Barberie,  that  she 
had  been  amused  by  his  sarcasms,  though  the 
boldness  of  his  manner  had  caused  her  to  main- 
tain the  reserve  which  she  believed  necessary  to 
her  sex  and  condition.  The  patroon  studied  the 
countenance  of  his  mistress,  and,  though  half 
offended  by  the  freedom  of  the  intruder,  he  had 
believed  it  wisest  to  tolerate  his  liberties,  as  the 
natural  excesses  of  a  spirit  that  had  been  lately 
released  from  the  monotony  of  a  sea-life.  The 
repose  which  usually  reigned  in  the  countenance 
of  the  alderman  had  been  a  little  troubled;  but 
he  succeeded  in  concealing  his  discontent  from 
any  impertinent  observation.  When  the  chief 
actor  in  the  foregoing  scene,  therefore,  saw  fit  to 
withdraw,  the  usual  tranquillity  was  restored,  and 
his  presence  appeared  to  be  forgotten. 

An  ebbing  tide  and  a  freshening  breeze  quick- 
ly carried  the  periagua  past  the  smaller  islands 
of  the  bay,  and  brought  the  cruiser  called  the 
Coquette  more  distinctly  into  view.  This  vessel, 
a  ship  of  twenty  guns,  lay  abreast  of  the  hamlet 
on  the  shores  of  Staten  Island,  which  was  the 
destination  of  the  ferry  -  boat.  Here  was  the 
usual  anchorage  of  outward-bound  ships,  which 
awaited  a  change  of  wind ;  and  it  was  here  that 
vessels  then,  as  in  our  times,  were  subject  to 
those  examinations  and  delays  which  are  imposed 
for  the  safety  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  city. 


The  Coquette  was  alone,  however ;  for  the  arri- 
val of  a  trader  from  a  distant  port  was  an  event 
of  unfrequent  occurrence  at  the  commencement 
of  the  eighteenth  century. 

The  course  of  the  periagua  brought  her  with- 
in fifty  feet  of  the  sloop-of-war.  As  the  former 
approached,  a  movement  of  curiosity  and  inter- 
est occurred  among  those  she  contained. 

"  Take  more  room  for  your  milkmaid,"  grum- 
bled the  alderman,  observing  that  the  schipper 
was  willing  to  gratify  his  passengers  by  running 
as  near  as  possible  to  the  dark  sides  of  the  cruis- 
er. "  Seas  and  oceans  !  is  not  York  Bay  wide 
enough,  that  you  must  brush  the  dust  out  of  the 
muzzles  of  the  guns  of  yon  lazy  ship  ?  If  the 
queen  knew  how  her  money  was  eaten  and  drunk 
by  the  idle  knaves  aboard  her,  she  would  send 
them  all  to  hunt  for  freebooters  among  the 
islands.  Look  at  the  land,  Alida,  child,  and 
you'll  think  no  more  of  the  fright  the  gaping 
dunce  is  giving  thee ;  he  only  wishes  to  show  his 
skill  in  steering." 

But  the  niece  manifested  none  of  the  terror 
that  the  uncle  was  willing  to  ascribe  to  her  fears. 
Instead  of  turning  pale,  the  color  deepened  on 
her  cheeks  as  the  periagua  came  dancing  along 
under  the  lee  of  the  cruiser,  and,  if  her  respiration 
became  quicker  than  usual,  it  was  scarcely  pro- 
duced by  the  agitation  of  alarm.  The  near  sight 
of  the  tall  masts,  and  of  the  maze  of  cordage  that 
hung  nearly  above  their  heads,  however,  pre- 
vented the  change  from  being  noted,  A  hundred 
curious  eyes  were  already  peeping  at  them 
through  the  ports  or  over  the  bulwarks  of  the 
ship,  when  suddenly  an  officer,  who  wore  the  un- 
dress of  a  naval  captain  of  that  day,  sprang  into 
the  main  rigging  of  the  cruiser,  and  saluted  the 
party  in  the  periagua  by  waving  his  hat  hurried- 
ly, like  one  who  was  agreeably  taken  by  sur- 
prise. 

"  A  fair  sky  and  gentle  breezes  to  each  and 
all ! "  he  cried,  with  the  hearty  manner  of  a  sea- 
man. "  I  kiss  my  hand  to  the  fair  Alida ;  and 
the  alderman  will  take  a  sailor's  good  wishes. 
Mr.  Van  Staats,  I  salute  you." 

"Ay,"  muttered  the  burgher,  "your  idlers 
have  nothing  better  to  do  than  make  words  an- 
swer for  deeds.  A  lazy  war  and  a  distant  enemy 
make  you  seamen  the  lords  of  the  land,  Captain 
Ludlow." 

Alida  blushed  still  deeper,  hesitated,  and  then, 
by  a  movement  that  was  half  involuntary,  she 
waved  her  handkerchief  The  young  patroon 
arose,  and  answered  the  salutation  by  a  courte- 
ous bow.  By  this  time  the  ferry-boat  was  near- 
ly past  the  ship,  and  the  scowl  was  quitting  the 


20 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


face  of  the  alderman,  when  the  mariner  of  the 
India  shawl  sprang  to  his  feet,  and  in  a  mo- 
ment he  stood  again  in  the  centre  of  their  party. 

"  A  pretty  sea-boat,  and  a  neat  show  aloft !  " 
he  said,  as  his  understanding  eye  scanned  the 
rigging  of  the  royal  cruiser,  taking  the  tiller  at 
the  same  time,  with  all  his  former  indifference, 
from  the  hands  of  the  schipper.  "  Her  majesty 
should  have  good  service  from  such  a  racer,  and 
no  doubt  the  youth  in  her  rigging  is  a  man  to  get 
the  most  out  of  his  craft.  We'll  take  anoth- 
er observation.  Draw  away  your  head-sheet, 
boy." 

The  stranger  had  put  the  helm  a-lee  while 
speaking,  and  by  the  time  the  order  he  had  giv- 
en was  uttered  the  quick-working  boat  was  about, 
and  nearly  filled  on  the  other  tack.  In  another 
minute  she  was  again  brushing  along  the  side  of  the 
sloop-of-war.  A  common  complaint  against  this 
hardy  interference  with  the  regular  duty  of  the 
boat  was  about  to  break  out  of  the  lips  of  the 
alderman  and  the  schipper,  when  he  of  the  India 
shawl  lifted  his  cap  and  addressed  the  officer  in 
the  rigging  with  all  the  self-possession  he  had 
manifested  in  the  intercourse  with  those  nearer 
his  person. 

"  Has  her  majesty  need  of  a  man  in  her  ser- 
vice who  has  seen,  in  his  time,  more  blue  water 
than  hard  ground ;  or  is  there  no  empty  berth, 
in  so  gallant  a  cruiser,  for  one  who  must  do  a 
seaman's  duty  or  starve?  " 

The  descendant  of  the  king-hating  Ludlows, 
as  the  Lord  Cornbury  had  styled  the  race  of  the 
commander  of  the  Coquette,  was  quite  as  much 
surprised  by  the  appearance  of  him  who  put  this 
question,  as  he  was  by  the  coolness  with  which 
a  mariner  of  ordinary  condition  presumed  to  ad- 
dress an  officer  who  bore  so  high  a  commission  as 
his  own.  He  had,  however,  sufficient  time  to 
recollect  in  whose  presence  he  stood  ere  he  re- 
plied, for  the  stranger  had  again  placed  the  helm 
a-lee,  and  caused  the  foresail  to  be  thrown  back 
— a  change  that  made  the  periagua  stationary. 

"  The  queen  will  always  receive  a  bold  mariner 
in  her  pay,  if  he  come  prepared  to  serve  with 
skill  and  fidelity,"  he  said  ;  "as  a  proof  of  which, 
let  a  rope  be  thrown  the  periagua  ;  we  shall  treat 
more  at  our  ease  under  her  majesty's  pennant.  I 
shall  be  proud  to  entertain  Alderman  Van  Bever- 
out,  in  the  mean  time ;  and  a  cutter  will  always 
be  at  his  command  when  he  shall  have  occasion 
to  quit  us." 

"Your  land-loving  aldermen  find  their  way 
from  a  queen's  cruiser  to  the  shore  more  easily 
than  a  seaman  of  twenty  years'  experience,"  re- 
turned the  other,  without  giving  the  burgher  time 


to  express  his  thanks  for  the  polite  offer  of  the 
other.  "You  have  gone  through  the  Gibraltar 
passage,  without  doubt,  noble  captain,  being  a 
gentleman  that  has  got  so  fine  a  boat  under  his 
orders  ?  " 

"Duty  has  taken  me  into  the  Italian  seas 
more  than  once,"  answered  Ludlow,  half  disposed 
to  resent  this  familiarity,  though  to  anxious  to 
keep  the  periagua  near,  to  quarrel  with  him 
who  so  evidently  had  produced  the  unexpected 
pleasure. 

"  Then  you  know  that,  though  a  lady  might 
fan  a  ship  through  the  straits  eastward,  it  needs 
a  Levant-breeze  to  bring  her  out  again.  Her 
majesty's  pennants  are  long,  and  when  they  get 
foul  around  the  limbs  of  a  thoroughly-bred  sea- 
dog,  it  passes  all  his  art  to  clear  the  jam.  It  is 
most  worthy  of  remark,  that  the  better  the  sea- 
man, the  less  his  power  to  cast  loose  the  knot !  " 

"  If  the  pennant  be  so  long,  it  may  reach 
farther  than  you  wish  ! — But  a  bold  volunteer  has 
no  occasion  to  dread  a  press." 

"  I  fear  the  berth  I  wish  is  filled,"  returned 
the  other,  curling  his  lip  ;  "  let  draw  the  fore-sheet, 
lad ;  we  will  take  our  departure,  leaving  the  fly 
of  the  pennant  well  under  our  lee. — Adieu,  brave 
captain ;  when  you  have  need  of  a  thorough  rover, 
and  dream  of  stern-chases  and  wet  sails,  think 
of  him  who  visited  your  ship  at  her  lazy  moor- 
ings." 

Ludlow  bit  his  lips,  and  though  his  fine  face 
reddened  to  the  temples,  he  met  the  arch-glance 
of  Alida,  and  laughed.  But  he  who  had  so  hardi- 
ly braved  the  resentment  of  a  man  powerful  as  the 
commander  of  a  royal  cruiser  in  a  British  colony, 
appeared  to  understand  the  hazard  of  his  situa- 
tion. The  periagua  whirled  round  on  her  heel,  and 
the  next  minute  it  was  bending  to  the  breeze,  and 
dashing  through  the  little  waves  toward  the  shose. 
Three  boats  left  the  cruiser  at  the  same  moment. 
One,  which  evidently  contained  her  captain,  ad- 
vanced with  the  usual  dignified  movement  of  a 
barge  landing  an  officer  of  rank,  but  the  others 
were  urged  ahead  with  all  the  earnestness  of  a 
hot  chase. 

"  Unless  disposed  to  serve  the  queen,  you  have 
not  done  well,  my  friend,  to  brave  one  of  her 
commanders  at  the  muzzles  of  his  guns,"  observed 
the  patroon,  so  soon  as  the  state  of  the  case  be- 
came too  evident  to  doubt  of  the  intentions  of  the 
man-of-war's  men. 

"That  Captain  Ludlow  would  gladly  take 
some  of  us  out  of  this  boat,  by  fair  means  or  by 
foul,  is  a  fact  clear  as  a  bright  star  in  a  cloudless 
night ;  and,  well  knowing  a  seaman's  duty  to  his 
superiors,  I  shall  leave  him  to  his  choice." 


PURSUED. 


21 


"  In  which  case  you  will  shortly  eat  her 
majesty's  bread,"  pithily  returned  the  alderman. 

"  The  food  is  unpalatable,  and  I  reject  it;  yet 
here  is  a  boat  whose  crew  seem  determined  to 
make  one  swallow  worse  fare." 

The  unknown  mariner  ceased  speaking,  for 
the  situation  of  the  periagua  was  truly  getting  to 
be  a  little  critical.  At  least,  so  it  seemed  to  the 
less-instructed  landsmen  who  were  witnesses  of 
this  unexpected  rencontre.  As  the  ferry-boat 
had  drawn  in  with  the  island,  the  wind  hauled 
more  through  the  pass  which  communicates  with 
the  outer  bay,  and  it  became  necessary  to  heave 
about  twice,  in  order  to  fetch  to  windward  of  the 
usual  landing-place.  The  first  of  these  manoeu- 
vres had  been  executed,  and  as  it  necessarily 
changed  their  course,  the  passengers  saw  that  the 
cutter  to  which  the  stranger  alluded  was  enabled 
to  get  within-shore  of  them,  or  nearer  to  the  wharf 
where  they  ought  to  land,  than  they  were  them- 
selves. Instead  of  suffering  himself  to  be  led  off 
by  a  pursuit  that  he  knew  might  easily  be  ren- 
dered useless,  the  officer  who  commanded  this 
boat  cheered  his  men,  and  pulled  swiftly  to  the 
point  of  debarkation.  On  the  other  hand,  a  sec- 
ond cutter,  which  had  already  reached  the  line  of 
the  periagua's  course,  lay  on  its  oars,  and  awaited 
its  approach.  The  unknown  mariner  manifested 
no  intention  to  avoid  the  interview.  He  still  held 
the  tiller,  and  as  effectually  commanded  the  little 
vessel  as  if  his  authority  were  of  a  more  regular 
character.  The  audacity  and  decision  of  his  air 
and  conduct,  aided  by  the  consummate  manner 
in  which  he  worked  the  boat,  might  alene  have 
achieved  this  momentary  usurpation,  had  not  the 
general  feeling  against  impressment  been  so  much 
in  his  favor. 

"  The  devil's  fangs  ! "  grumbled  the  schipper. 
"  If  you  should  keep  the  Milkmaid  away,  we  shall 
lose  a  little  in  distance,  though  I  think  the  man- 
of-war's  men  will  be  puzzled  to  catch  her,  with  a 
flowing  sheet ! " 

"  The  queen  has  sent  a  message  by  the  gen- 
tleman," the  mariner  rejoined ;  "  it  would  be  un- 
mannerly to  refuse  to  hear  it." 

"  Heave-to  the  periagua  !  "  shouted  the  young 
officer  in  the  cutter.  "  In  her  majesty's  name,  I 
command  you,  obey  ! " 

"  God  bless  the  royal  lady ! "  returned  he  of 
the  foul-anchors  and  gay  shawl,  while  the  swift 
ferry-boat  continued  to  dash  ahead.  "  We  owe 
her  duty,  and  are  glad  to  see  so  proper  a  gentle- 
man employed  in  her  behalf." 

By  this  time  the  boats  were  fifty  feet  asun- 
der. No  sooner  was  there  room,  than  the  peria- 
gua once  more  flew  round,  and  commenced  anew 


its  course,  dashing  in  again  toward  the  shore. 
It  was  necessary,  however,  to  venture  within  an 
oar's  length  of  the  cutter,  or  to  keep  away — a 
loss  of  ground  to  which  he  who  controlled  her 
movements  showed  no  disposition  to  submit. 
The  officer  arose,  and,  as  the  periagua  drew  near, 
it  was  evident  his  hand  held  a  pistol,  though  he 
seemed  reluctant  to  exhibit  the  weapon.  The 
mariner  stepped  aside  in  a  manner  to  offer  a  full 
view  of  all  his  group,  as  he  sarcastically  ob- 
served : 

"  Choose  your  object,  sir ;  in  such  a  party  a 
man  of  sentiment  may  have  a  preference." 

The  young  man  colored,  as  much  with  shame 
at  the  degrading  duty  he  had  been  commissioned 
to  perform,  as  with  vexation  at  his  failure.  Re- 
covering his  self-composure,  however,  he  lifted 
his  hat  to  la  belle  Barberie,  and  the  periagua 
dashed  on  in  triumph.  Still  the  leading  cutter 
was  near  the  shore,  where  it  soon  arrived,  the 
crew  lying  on  their  oars  near  the  end  of  the 
wharf,  in  expectation  of  the  arrival  of  the  ferry- 
boat. At  this  sight  the  schipper  shook  his  head, 
and  looked  up  into  the  bold  face  of  his  passenger, 
in  a  manner  to  betray  how  much  his  mind  mis- 
gave the  result.  But  the  tall  mariner  maintained 
his  coolness,  and  began  to  make  merry  allusions 
to  the  service  which  he  had  braved  with  so  much 
temerity,  and  from  which  no  one  believed  he  was 
yet  likely  to  escape.  By  the  former  manoeuvres, 
the  periagua  had  gained  a  position  well  to  wind- 
ward of  the  wharf,  and  she  was  now  steered  close 
upon  the  wind,  directly  for  the  shore.  Against 
the  consequences  of  a  perseverance  in  this  course, 
however,  the  schipper  saw  fit  to  remonstrate. 

"  Shipwrecks  and  rocky  bottoms  !  "  exclaimed 
the  alarmed  waterman.  "  A  Holland  galliot  would 
go  to  pieces,  if  you  should  run  her  in  among 
those  stepping-stones  with  this  breeze.  No  hon- 
est boatman  loves  to  sea  a  man  stowed  in  a 
cruiser's  hold,  like  a  thief  caged  in  his  prison ; 
but  when  it  comes  to  breaking  the  nose  of  the 
Milkmaid,  it  is  asking  too  much  of  her  owner 
to  stand  by  and  look  on." 

"  There  shall  not  be  a  dimple  in  her  lovely 
countenance  deranged,"  answered  his  cool  pas- 
senger.— "  Now,  lower  away  your  sails,  and  we'll 
run  along  the  shore,  down  to  yon  wharf.  'T would 
be  an  ungallant  act  to  treat  the  dairy-girl  with  so 
little  ceremony,  gentlemen,  after  the  lively  foot 
and  quick  evolutions  she  has  shown  in  our  be- 
half. The  best  dancer  in  the  island  could  not 
have  better  played  her  part,  though  jigging  un- 
der the  music  of  a  three-stringed  fiddle." 

By  this  time  the  sails  were  lowered,  and  the 
periagua  was  gliding  down  toward  the  place  of 


22 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


landing,  running  always  at  the  distance  of  some 
fifty  feet  from  the  shore. 

"  Every  craft  has  its  allotted  time,  like  a  mor- 
tal," continued  the  inexplicable  mariner  of  the 
India  shawl.  "  If  she  is  to  die  a  sudden  death, 
there  is  your  beam-end  and  stern-way,  which 
takes  her  into  the  grave  without  funeral  service 
or  parish  prayers ;  your  dropsy  is  being  water- 
logged ;  gout  and  rheumatism  kill  like  a  broken 
back  and  loose  joints ;  indigestion  is  a  shifting 
cargo,  with  guns  adrift ;  the  gallows  is  a  bottom- 
ry-bond, with  lawyers'  fees ;  while  fire,  drowning, 
death  by  religious  melancholy,  and  suicide,  are  a 
careless  gunner,  sunken  rocks,  false  lights,  and  a 
lubberly  captain." 

Ere  any  were  apprised  of  his  intention,  this 
singular  being  then  sprang  from  the  boat  on  the 
cap  of  a  little  rock,  over  which  the  waves  were 
washing,  whence  he  bounded  from  stone  to  stone 
by  vigorous  efforts,  till  he  fairly  leaped  to  land. 
In  another  minute  he  was  lost  to  view  among  the 
dwellings  of  the  hamlet. 

The  arrival  of  the  periagua,  which  immediate- 
ly after  reached  the  wharf,  the  disappointment 
of  the  cutter's  crew,  and  the  return  of  both  the 
boats  to  their  ship,  succeeded  as  matters  of 
course. 


CHAPTER  Y. 

Olit.  "  Did  lie  write  this  ?  " 
Clo.  "Ay,  madam." 

Twelfth  Kight. 

If  we  say  that  Alida  de  Barberie  did  not  cast 
a  glance  behind  her  as  the  party  quitted  the 
wharf,  in  order  to  see  whether  the  boat  that  con- 
tained the  commander  of  the  cruiser  followed  the 
example  of  the  others,  we  shall  probably  portray 
the  maiden  as  one  that  was  less  subject  to  the  in- 
fluence of  coquetry  than  the  truth  would  justify. 
To  the  great  discontent  of  the  alderman,  whatever 
might  have  been  the  feelings  of  his  niece  on  the 
occasion,  the  barge  continued  to  approach  the 
shore,  in  a  manner  which  showed  that  the  young 
seaman  betrayed  no  visible  interest  in  the  result 
of  the  chase. 

The  heights  of  Staten  Island,  a  century  ago, 
were  covered,  much  as  they  are  at  present,  with 
a  growth  of  dwarf  trees.  Foot-paths  led  along 
this  meagre  vegetation  in  divers  directions ;  and, 
as  the  hamlet  at  the  quarantine-ground  was  the 
point  whence  they  all  diverged,  it  required  a 
practised  guide  to  thread  their  mazes  without  a 
loss  of  both  time  and  distance.  It  would  seem, 
however,  that  the  worthy  burgher  was  fully  equal 


I  to  the  office ;  for,  moving  with  more  than  his  usu- 
al agility,  he  soon  led  bis  companions  into  the 
wood,  and,  by  frequently  altering  his  course,  so 
completely  confounded  their  sense  of  the  relative 
bearings  of  places,  that  it  is  not  probable  one  of 
them  all  could  very  readily  have  extricated  him- 
self from  the  labyrinth. 

"  Clouds  and  shady  bowers  !  "  exclaimed  Myn- 
dert,  when  he  had  achieved,  to  his  own  satisfac- 
tion, this  evasion  of  the  pursuit  he  wished  to 
avoid  ;  "  little  oaks  and  green  pines  are  pleasant 
on  a  June  morning.  You  shall  have  mountain 
air  and  a  sea-breeze,  patroon,  to  quicken  the  ap- 
petite of  the  Lust  in  Rust.  If  Alida  will  speak, 
the  girl  can  say  that  a  mouthful  of  the  elixir  is 
better  for  a  rosy  cheek  than  all  the  concoctions 
and  washes  that  were  ever  invented  to  give  a  man 
a  heartache." 

"  If  the  place  be  as  much  changed  as  the  road 
that  leads  to  it,"  returned  la  belle  Barberie,  glan- 
cing her  dark  eye,  in  vain,  in  the  direction  of  the 
bay  they  had  quitted,  "  I  should  scarcely  venture 
an  opinion  on  a  subject  of  which  I  am  obliged  to 
confess  utter  ignorance." 

"  Ah,  woman  is  naught  but  vanities  !  To  see 
and  to  be  seen,  is  the  delight  of  the  sex.  Though 
we  are  a  thousand  times  more  comfortable  in  this 
wood  than  we  should  be  in  walking  along  the 
water-side,  why,  the  sea-gulls  and  snipes  lose  the 
benefit  of  our  company !  The  salt-water,  and  all 
who  live  on  it,  are  to  be  avoided  by  a  wise  man, 
Mr.  Yaft  Staats,  except  as  they  both  serve  to 
cheapen  freight  and  to  render  trade  brisk.  You'll 
thank  me  for  this  care,  niece  of  mine,  when  you 
reach  the  bluff,  cool  as  a  package  of  furs  free  from 
moth,  and  fresh  and  beautiful  as  a  Holland  tulip, 
with  the  dew  on  it." 

"  To  resemble  the  latter,  one  might  consent  to 
walk  blindfold,  dearest  uncle ;  and  so  we  dismiss 
the  subject.  Francois,  fais  moi  le  plaisir  de  por- 
ter ce  petit  livre  ;  malgre  la  fraicheur  de  la  foret, 
j'ai  besoin  de  m'eventer." 

The  valet  took  the  book  with  an  empressement 
that  defeated  the  more  tardy  politeness  of  the 
patroon  ;  and  when  he  saw,  by  the  vexed  eye  and 
flushed  cheek  of  his  young  mistress,  that  she  was 
incommoded  rather  by  an  internal  than  by  the 
external  heat,  he  whispered  considerately : 

"  Que  ma  chere  Mademoiselle  Alide  ne  se  fache 
pas !  Elle  ne  manquerait  jamais  d'admirateurs, 
dans  un  desert.  Ah  !  si  mam'selle  allait  voir  la 
patrie  de  ses  ancetres ! — "  . 

"  'Merci  bien,  mon  cher ;  gardez  les  feuillesj 
fortement  fermees.    II  y  a  des  papiers  dedans." 

"  Monsieur  Francois,"  said  the  alderman,  sep- 
arating his  niece  with  little  ceremony,  from  her 


THE  VALET  AND 

nearly  parental  attendant,  by  the  interposition  of 
his  own  bulky  person,  and  motioning  for  the  oth- 
ers to  proceed,  "  a  word  with  thee  in  confidence. 
I  have  noted,  in  the  course  of  a  busy  and  I  hope 
a  profitable  life,  that  a  faithful  servant  is  an  hon- 
est counsellor.  Next  to  Holland  and  England, 
both  of  which  are  great  commercial  nations,  and 
the  Indies,  which  are  necessary  to  these  colonies, 
together  with  a  natural  preference  for  the  land 
in  which  I  was  born,  I  have  always  been  of  opin- 
ion that  France  is  a  very  good  sort  of  a  country. 
I  think,  Mr.  Francis,  that  dislike  to  the  seas  has 
kept  you  from  returning  thither,  since  the  decease 
of  my  late  brother-in-law?  " 

"  Wid  like  for  Mam'selle  Alide,  monsieur,  avec 
votre  permission." 

"  Your  affection  for  my  niece,  honest  Francois, 
is  not  to  be  doubted.  It  is  as  certain  as  the  pay- 
ment of  a  good  draft,  by  Crommeline,  Yan  Stop- 
per, and  Yan  Gelt,  of  Amsterdam.  Ah !  old 
valet !  she  is  fresh  and  blooming  as  a  rose,  and 
a  girl  of  excellent  qualities  !  'Tis  a  pity  that  she 
is  a  little  opinionated ;  a  defect  that  she  doubtless 
inherits  from  her  Norman  ancestors ;  since  all  of 
my  family  have  ever  been  remarkable  for  listen- 
ing to  reason.  The  Normans  were  an  obstinate 
race,  as  witness  the  siege  of  Rochelle,  by  which 
oversight  real  estate  in  that  city  must  have  lost 
much  in  value ! " 

"  Mille  excuses,  Monsieur  Bevre'  ;  more 

beautiful  as  de  rose,  and  no  opiniatre  du  tout. 
Mon  Dieu,  pour  sa  qualite,  c'est  une  famille  tres 
ancienne." 

"  That  was  a  weak  point  with  my  brother 
Barberie,  and,  after  all,  it  did  not  add  a  cipher 
to  the  sum  total  of  the  assets.  The  best  blood, 
Mr.  Francois,  is  that  which  has  been  best  fed. 
The  line  of  Hugh  Capet  himself  would  fail  without 
the  butcher ;  and  the  butcher  would  certainly  fail 
without  customers  that  can  pay.  Francois,  thou 
art  a  man  who  understands  the  value  of  a  sure 
footing  in  the  world  ;  would  it  not  be  a  thousand 
pities  that  such  a  girl  as  Alida  should  throw  her- 
self away  on  one  whose  best  foundation  is  no  bet- 
ter than  a  rolling  ship  ?  " 

"  Certainement,  monsieur  ;  mam'selle  be  too 
good  to  roll  in  de  ship." 

';  Obliged  to  follow  a  husband  up  and  down  ; 
among  freebooters  and  dishonest  traders  ;  in  fair 
weather  and  foul ;  hot  and  cold ;  wet  and  dry ; 
bilge-water  and  salt-water  ;  cramps  and  nausea  ; 
salt-junk  and  no  junk ;  gales  and  calms — and  all 
for  a  hasty  judgment  formed  in  sanguine  youth." 

The  face  of  the  valet  had  responded  to  the 
alderman's  enumeration  of  the  evils  that  would 
attend  so  ill-judged  a  step  in  his  niece,  as  faith- 


THE  ALDERMAN.  23 

fully  as  if  each  muscle  had  been  a  mirror,  to  re- 
flect the  contortions  of  one  suffering  under  the 
malady  of  the  sea. 

"Parbleu,  c'est  horrible,  cette  mer !  "  he  ejac- 
ulated, when  the  other  had  done.  "  It  is  grand 
malheur,  dere  should  be  watair  but  for  drink,  and 
for  la  proprete,  avec  fosse  to  keep  de  carp  round 
le  chateau.  Mais,  mam'selle  be  no  haste  judg- 
ment, and  she  shall  have  mari  on  la  terre  so- 
lide." 

"'Twould  be  better  that  the  estate  of  my 
brother-in-law  should  be  kept  in  sight,  judicious 
Francois,  than  to  be  sent  adrift  on  the  high- 
seas." 

"  Dere  vas  marin  dans  la  famille  de  Barberie, 
nevair." 

"  Bonds  and  balances  !  if  the  savings  of  one  I 
could  name,  frugal  Francois,  were  added  in  cur- 
rent coin,  the  sum  total  would  sink  a  common 
ship.  You  know  it  is  my  intention  to  remember 
Alida,  in  settling  accounts  with  the  world." 

"  If  Monsieur  de  Barberie  vas  'live,  Monsieur 
Alderman,  he  should  say  des  choses  convenables  ; 
mais,  malheureusement,  mon  cher  maitre  est 
mort ;  and,  sair,  I  shall  be  bold  to  remercier  pour 
lui,  et  pour  tout  sa  famille." 

"Women  are  perverse,  and  sometimes  they 
have  pleasure  in  doing  the  very  thing  they  are 
desired  not  to  do." 

"  Ma  foi,  oui !  " 

"  Prudent  men  should  manage  them  with  soft 
words  and  rich  gifts ;  with  these  they  become  or- 
derly as  a  pair  of  well-broke  geldings." 

"Monsieur  know,"  said  the  old  valet,  rubbing 
his  hands,  and  laughing  with  the  subdued  voice 
of  a  well-bred  domestic,  though  he  could  not  con- 
ceal a  jocular  wink;  "  pourtant  il  est  garcon !  Le 
cadeau  be  good  for  de  demoiselles,  and  bettair  as 
for  de  dames." 

"  Wedlock  and  blinkers  !  it  is  we  gassons,  as 
you  call  us,  who  ought  to  know.  Your  hen- 
pecked husband  has  no  time  to  generalize  among 
the  sex,  in  order  to  understand  the  real  quality 
of  the  article.  Now  here  is  Yan  Staats  of  Kin- 
derhook,  faithful  Francois ;  what  think  you  of 
such  a  youth  for  a  husband  for  Alida  ?  " 

"Pourtant,  mam'selle  like  de  vivaeite;  Mon- 
sieur le  Patroon  be  nevair  trop  vif." 

"  The  more  likely  to  be  sure. — Hist !  I  hear  a 
footstep.  We  are  followed — chased,  perhaps,  I 
should  say,  to  speak  in  the  language  of  these  sea- 
gentry.  Now  is  the  time  to  show  this  Captain 
Ludlow  how  a  Frenchman  can  wind  him  round 
his  finger  on  terra  firma.  Loiter  in  the  rear,  and 
draw  our  navigator  on  a  wrong  course.  When 
he  has  run  into  a  fog,  come  yourself  with  all  speed 


24 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


to  the  oak  on  the  bluff.    There  we  shall  await 
you." 

Flattered  by  this  confidence,  and  really  per- 
suaded  that  he  was  furthering  the  happiness  of 
her  he  served,  the  old  valet  nodded  in  reply  to  the 
alderman's  wink  and  chuckle,  and  immediately 
relaxed  his  speed.  The  former  pushed  ahead  ; 
and  in  a  minute  he  and  those  who  followed  had 
turned  short  to  the  left,  and  were  out  of  sight. 

Though  faithfully  and  even  affectionately  at- 
tached to  Alida,  her  servant  had  many  of  the 
qualifications  of  a  European  domestic.  Trained 
in  all  the  ?%icses  of  his  profession,  he  was  of  that 
school  which  believes  civilization  is  to  be  measured 
by  artifice ;  and  success  lost  some  of  its  value 
when  it  had  been  effected  by  the  vulgar  machin- 
ery of  truth  and  common-sense.  No  wonder, 
then,  the  retainer  entered  into  the  views  of  the 
alderman  with  more  than  a  usual  relish  for  the 
duty.  He  heard  the  cracking  of  the  dried  twigs 
beneath  the  footstep  of  him  who  followed ;  and, 
in  order  that  there  might  be  no  chance  of  missing 
the  desired  interview,  the  valet  began  to  hum  a 
French  air  in  so  loud  a  key  as  to  be  certain  the 
sounds  would  reach  any  ear  that  was  nigh.  The 
twigs  snapped  more  rapidly,  the  footsteps  seemed 
nearer,  and  the  hero  cf  the  India  shawl  sprang  to 
the  side  of  the  expecting  Francois. 

The  disappointment  seemed  mutual,  and  on 
the  part  of  the  domestic  it  entirely  disconcerted 
all  his  prearranged  schemes  for  misleading  the 
commander  of  the  Coquette.  Not  so  wifch.  the 
bold  mariner.  So  far  from  his  self-possession  be- 
ing disturbed,  it  would  have  been  no  easy  matter 
to  restrain  his  audacity,  even  in  situations  far 
more  trying  than  any  in  which  he  has  yet  been 
presented  to  the  reader. 

"What  cheer  in  thy  woodland  cruise,  Mon-  j 
sieur  Broad-pennant  ?  "  he  said,  with  infinite  cool- 
ness, the  instant  his  steady  glance  had  ascertained 
they  were  all  alone.    "  This  is  safer  navigation  j 
for  an  officer  of  thy  draught  of  water,  than  run-  , 
ning  about  the  bay  in  a  periagua.    What  may  be 
the  longitude,  and  wherer.way  did  you  part  com- 
pany from  the  consorts  ?  " 

"  Sair,  I  valk  in  de  vood  for  de  plaisir,  and  I 
go  on  de  bay  for  de — parbleu,  non !  'tis  to  follow  | 
ma  jeune  maitresse  I  go  on  de  bay ;  and,  sair,  I  J 
wish  dey  who  do  love  de  bay  and  de  sea,  would 
not  come  into  de  vood,  du  tout." 

"  Well  spoken,  and  with  ample  spirit ;  what, 
a  student,  too !  one  in  a  wood  should  glean  some- 
thing from  his  labors.    Is  it  the  art  of  furling  a 
•  main  cue  that  is  taught  in  this  pretty  volume  ?  " 

As  the  mariner  put  his  question,  he  very  de- 
liberately took  the  book  from  Francois,  who,  in- 


'  stead  of  resenting  the  liberty,  rather  offered  the 
volume  in  exultation. 

"  No,  sair,  it  is  not  how  to  furl  la  cue,  but  how 
.  to  touch  de  soul ;  not  de  art  to  haul  over  de  calm, 
■  but — oui,  c'est  plein  de  connoissance  et  d'esprit ! 
!  Ah  !  ah  !  you  know  de  Cid !  le  grand  homme ! 
1  l'homme  de  genie  1    If  you  read,  Monsieur  Marin, 
you  shall  see  la  vraie  poesie  !    Not  de  big  book 
and  no  single  rhyme.    Sair,  I  do  not  vish  to  say 
vat  is  penible,  mais  it  is  not  one  book  widout 
,  rhyme ;  it  was  not  ecrit  on  de  sea.    Le  diable ! 
!  que  le  vrai  genie,  et  les  nobles  sentiments,  se 
j  trouvent  dans  ce  livre,  la  !  " 

"  Ay,  I  see  it  is  a  log-book  for  every  man  to 
'  note  his  mind  in.  I  return  you  Master  Cid,  with 
;  his  fine  sentiments  in  the  bargain.  Great  as  was 
'  his  genius,  it  would  seem  he  was  not  the  man  to 
|  write  all  that  I  find  between  the  leaves." 

"  He  not  write  him  all !    Yes,  sair,  he  shall 
writ  him  six  time  more  dan  all,  if  la  France  a 
besoin.    Quej'envie  de  ces  Anglais  se  decouvre 
quand  on  parle  des  beaux  genies  de  la  France  !  " 
"  I  will  only  say,  if  the  gentleman  wrote  the 
\  whole  that  is  in  the  book,  and  it  is  as  fine  as  you 
would  make  a  plain  seafaring  man  believe,  he  did 
;  wrong  not  to  print  it." 

"  Print ! "  echoed  Francois,  opening  his  eyes 
|  and  the  volume,  by  a  common  impulse.  "Im- 
prime !  ha  !  here  is  papier  of  Manrselle  Alide  as- 
surement." 

"  Take  better  heed  of  it,  then,"  interrupted 
the  seaman  of  the  shawl.  "  As  for  your  Cid,  to 
me  it  is  a  useless  volume,  since  it  teaches  neither 
the  latitude  of  a  shoal  nor  the  shape  of  a  coast." 

"  Sair,  it  teach  de  morale ;  de  rock  of  de  pas- 
sion et  les  grands  mouvements  de  Tame  I  Oui, 
sair ;  it  teach  all  un  monsieur  vish  to  know.  Tout 
le  monde  read  him  in  la  France;  en  province 
comme  en  ville.  If  sa  majeste  le  Grand  Louis  be 
not  so  mal  avise  as  to  chasser  messieurs  les 
Huguenots  from  his  royaume,  I  shall  go  to  Paris 
to  hear  le  Cid,  moi-meme  1 " 

"  A  good  journey  to  you,  Monsieur  Queue.  We 
may  meet  on  the  road,  until  which  time  I  take 
my  departure.  The  day  may  come  when  we  shall 
converse  with  a  rolling  sea  beneath  us.  Till  then, 
brave  cheer ! " 

"Adieu,  monsieur,"  returned  Francois,  bow- 
ing with  a  politeness  that  had  become  too  famil- 
iar to  be  forgotten.  "  If  we  do  not  meet  but  in 
de  sea,  we  shall  not  meet  nevair.  Ah,  ha.  ha ! 
Monsieur  le  Marin  n'aime  pas  a  entendre  parler  de 
la  gloirede la  France!  Je  voudrais  bien  savoir  lire 
ce  f — e  Shak-a-spear,  pour  voir  combien  Timmortel 
Corneille  lui  est  superieur.  Ma  foi,  oui ;  Monsieur 
!  Pierre  Corneille  est  vraiment  un  homme  illustre  ! " 


THE  ESCAPE. 


25 


The  faithful,  self-complacent,  and  aged  valet, 
then  pursued  his  way  toward  the  large  oak  on 
the  bluff ;  for,  as  he  ceased  speaking,  the  mari- 
ner of  the  gay  sash  had  turned  deeper  into  the 
woods,  and  left  him  alone.  Proud  of  the  manner 
in  which  he  had  met  the  audacity  of  the  stranger, 
prouder  still  of  the  reputation  of  the  author, 
whose  fame  had  been  known  in  France  long  be- 
fore his  own  departure  from  Europe,  and  not  a 
little  consoled  with  the  reflection  that  he  had 
contributed  his  mite  to  support  the  honor  of  his 
distant  and  well-beloved  country,  the  honest  Fran- 
cois pressed  the  volume  affectionately  beneath 
his  arm,  and  hastened  on  after  his  mistress. 

Though  the  position  of  Staten  Island  and  the 
surrounding  bays  is  so  familiar  to  the  Manhat- 
tanese,  an  explanation  of  the  localities  may  be 
agreeable  to  readers  who  dwell  at  a  distance  from 
the  scene  of  the  tale. 

It  has  already  been  said  that  the  principal 
communication  between  the  bays  of  Raritan  and 
York  is  called  the  Narrows.  At  the  mouth  of 
this  passage,  the  land  on  Staten  Island  rises  in  a 
high  bluff,  which  overhangs  the  water,  not  unlike 
the  tale-fraught  cape  of  Misenum.  From  this 
elevated  point,  the  eye  not  only  commands  a  view 
of  both  estuaries  and  the  city,  but  it  looks  far 
beyond  the  point  of  Sandy  Hook  into  the  open 
sea.  It  is  here  that,  in  our  own  days,  ships  are 
first  noted  in  the  offing,  and  whence  the  news  of 
the  approach  of  his  vessel  is  communicated  to 
the  expecting  merchant  by  means  of  the  tele- 
graph. In  the  early  part  of  the  last  century,  ar- 
rivals were  too  rare  to  support  such  an  establish- 
ment. The  bluff  was  therefore  little  resorted  to, 
except  by  some  occasional  admirer  of  scenery, 
or  by  those  countrymen  whom  business,  at  long 
intervals,  drew  to  the  spot.  It  had  been  early 
cleared  of  its  wood,  and  the  oak  already  men- 
tioned was  the  only  tree  standing  in  a  space  of 
some  ten  or  a  dozen  acres. 

It  has  been  seen  that  Alderman  Yan  Beverout 
had  appointed  this  solitary  oak  as  the  place  of 
rendezvous  with  Francois.  Thither,  then,  he  took 
his  way  on  parting  from  the  valet,  and  to  this 
spot  we  must  now  transfer  the  scene.  A  rude 
seat  had  been  placed  around  the  root  of  the  tree, 
arid  here  the  whole  party,  with  the  exception  of 
the  absent  domestic,  were  soon  seated.  In  a 
minute,  however,  they  were  joined  by  the  exult- 
ing Francis,  who  immediately  related  the  particu- 
lars of  his  recent  interview  with  the  stranger. 

"  A  clear  conscience,  with  cordial  friends,  and 
a  fair  balance-sheet,  may  keep  a  man  warm  in 
January,  even  in  this  climate,"  said  the  alder- 
man, willing  to  turn  the  discourse ;  "  but  what 


with  rebellious  blacks,  hot  streets,  and  spoiling 
furs,  it  passeth  mortal  powers  to  keep  cool  in  yon- 
der overgrown  and  crowded  town.  Thou  seest, 
patroon,  the  spot  of  white  on  the  opposite  side  of 
the  bay. — Breezes  and  fanning  !  that  is  the  Lust 
in  Rust,  where  cordial  enters  the  mouth  at  every 
breath,  and  where  a  man  has  room  to  cast  up  the 
sum  total  of  his  thoughts  any  hour  in  the  twenty- 
four." 

"  We  seem  quite  as  effectually  alone  on  this 
hill,  with  the  advantage  of  having  a  city  in  the 
view,"  remarked  Alida,  with  an  emphasis  that 
showed  she  meant  even  more  than  she  expressed. 

"  We  are  by  ourselves,  niece  of  mine,"  re- 
turned the  alderman,  rubbing  his  hands  as  if  he 
secretly  felicitated  himself  that  the  facts  were  so. 
"  That  truth  cannot  be  denied,  and  good  company 
we  are,  though  the  opinion  comes  from  one  who 
is  not  a  cipher  in  the  party.  Modesty  is  a  poor 
maris  wealth ;  but  as  we  grow  substantial  in 
the  world,  patroon,  one  can  afford  to  begin  to 
speak  truth  of  himself  as  well  as  of  his  neigh- 
bor." 

"  In  which  case,  little  but  good  will  be  uttered 
from  the  mouth  of  Alderman  Van  Beverout," 
said  Ludlow,  appearing  so  suddenly  from  behind 
the  root  of  the  tree,  as  effectually  to  shut  the 
mouth  of  the  burgher.  "  My  desire  to  offer  the 
services  of  the  ship  to  your  party  has  led  to  this 
abrupt  intrusion,  and  I  hope  will  obtain  its  par- 
don." 

"  The  power  to  forgive  is  a  prerogative  of  the 
governor,  who  represents  the  queen,"  dryly  re- 
turned the  alderman.  "  If  her  majesty  has  so 
little  employment  for  her  cruisers,  that  their  cap- 
tains can  dispose  of  them  in  behalf  of  old  men 
and  young  maidens — why,  happy  is  the  age,  and 
commerce  should  flourish  ! " 

"  If  the  two  duties  are  compatible,  the  greater 
the  reason  why  a  commander  should  felicitate 
himself  that  he  may  be  of  service  to  so  many. 
You  are  bound  to  the  Jersey  Highlands,  Mr.  Van 
Beverout  ? " 

"  I  am  bound  to  a  comfortable  and  very  pri- 
vate abode  called  the  Lust  in  Rust,  Captain  Cor- 
nelius Van  Cuyler  Ludlow." 

The  young  man  bit  his  lip,  and  his  healthful 
but  brown  cheek  flushed  a  deeper  red  than  com- 
mon, though  he  preserved  his  composure. 

"And  I  am  bound  to  sea,"  he  soon  said. 
"The  wind  is  getting  fresh,  and  your  boat,  which 
I  see  at  this  moment  standing  in  for  the  island, 
will  find  it  difficult  to  make  way  against  its  force. 
The  Coquette's  anchor  will  be  aweigh  in  twenty 
minutes,  and  I  shall  find  two  hours  of  an  ebbing 
tide,  and  a  top-gallant  breeze,  but  too  short  a 


20 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


time  for  the  pleasure  of  entertaining  such  guests. 
I  am  certain  that  the  fears  of  la  Belle  will  favor 
my  wishes  whichsoever  side  of  the  question  her 
inclination  may  happen  to  be." 

"And  they  are  with  her  uncle,"  quickly  re- 
turned Alida.  "  I  am  so  little  of  a  sailor  that 
prudence,  if  not  pusillanimity,  teaches  me  to  de- 
pend on  the  experience  of  older  heads." 

"  Older  I  may  not  pretend  to  be,"  said  Lud- 
low, coloring ;  "  but  Mr.  Van  Beverout  will  see 
no  pretension  in  believing  myself  as  good  a 
judge  of  wind  and  tide  as  even  he  himself  can 
be." 

"  You  are  said  to  command  her  majesty's 
sloop  with  skill,  Captain  Ludlow,  and  it  is  credit- 
able to  the  colony  that  it  has  produced  so  good 
an  officer;  though  I  believe  your  grandfather 
came  into  the  province  so  lately  as  on  the  restora- 
tion of  King  Charles  II.  ?  " 

"  We  cannot  claim  descent  from  the  United 
Provinces,  Alderman  Tan  Beverout,  on  the  pater- 
nal side  ;  but,  whatever  may  have  been  the  polit- 
ical opinions  of  my  grandfather,  those  of  his  de- 
scendant have  never  been  questioned.  Let  me 
entreat  the  fair  Alida  to  take  counsel  of  the  ap- 
prehension I  am  sure  she  feels,  and  to  persuade 
her  uncle  that  the  Coquette  is  safer  than  his  peri- 
agua." 

"  It  is  said  to  be  easier  to  enter  than  to  quit 
your  ship,"  returned  the  laughing  Alida.  "  By 
certain  symptoms  that  attended  our  passage  to 
the  island,  your  Coquette,  like  others,  is  fond  of 
conquests.  One  is  not  safe  beneath  so  malign  an 
influence." 

"  This  is  a  reputation  given  by  our  enemies. 
I  had  hoped  for  a  different  answer  from  la  belle 
Barberie." 

The  close  of  the  sentence  was  uttered  with  an 
emphasis  that  caused  the  blood  to  quicken  its 
movement  in  the  veins  of  the  maiden.  It  was  for- 
tunate that  neither  of  their  companions  was  very 
observant,  or  else  suspicions  might  have  been 
excited  that  a  better  intelligence  existed  between 
the  young  sailor  and  the  heiress,  than  would 
have  comported  with  their  wishes  and  inten- 
tions. 

"I  had  hoped  for  a  different  answer  from  la 
belle  Barberie,"  repeated  Ludlow,  in  a  lower 
voice,  but  with  even  a  still  more  emphatic  tone 
than  before. 

There  was  evidently  a  struggle  in  the  mind  of 
Alida.  She  overcame  it  before  her  confusion 
could  be  noted  ;  and  turning  to  the  valet  she  said, 
with  the  composure  and  grace  that  became  a  gen- 
tlewoman : 

"  Rends  moi  le  livre,  Francis." 


"  Le  voici — ah  !  ma  chere  mam'selle  Alide,  que 
ce  monsieur  le  marin  se  fachait  a  cause  de  la 
gloire,  et  des  beaux  vers  de  notre  illustre  M. 
Pierre  Corneille ! " 

"  Here  is  an  English  sailor  that  I  am  sure  will 
not  deny  the  merit  of  an  admired  writer,  even 
though  he  come  of  a  nation  that  is  commonly 
thought  hostile,  Francois,"  returned  his  mis- 
tress, smiling. — "  Captain  Ludlow,  it  is  now  a 
month  since  I  am  your  debtor,  by  promise,  for  a 
volume  of  Corneille,  and  I  here  acquit  myself  of 
the  obligation.  When  you  have  perused  the 
contents  of  this  book,  with  the  attention  they  de- 
serve, I  may  hope — " 

"  For  a  speedy  opinion  of  their  merits." 

"  I  was  about  to  say,  to  receive  the  volume 
again,  as  it  is  a  legacy  from  my  father,"  steadily 
rejoined  Alida. 

"  Legacies  and  foreign  tongues  !  "  muttered 
the  alderman.  "  One  is  well  enough ;  but  for  the 
other,  English  and  Dutch  are  all  that  the  wisest 
man  need  learn.  I  never  could  understand  an 
account  of  profit  and  loss  in  any  other  tongue, 
patroon ;  and  even  a  favorable  balance  never  ap- 
pears so  great  as  it  is,  unless  the  account  be 
rendered  in  one  or  the  other  of  these  rational  dia- 
lects. Captain  Ludlow,  we  thank  you  for  your 
politeness,  but  here  is  one  of  my  fellows  to  tell  us 
that  my  own  periagua  is  arrived ;  and,  wishing 
you  a  happy  and  a  long  cruise,  as  we  say  of  lives, 
I  bid  you  adieu." 

The  young  seaman  returned  the  salutations  of 
the  party,  with  a  better  grace  than  his  previous  so- 
licitude to  persuade  them  to  enter  his  ship  might 
have  given  reason  to  expect.  He  even  saw  them 
descend  the  hill,  toward  the  water  of  the  outer 
bay,  with  entire  composure ;  and  it  was  only  after 
they  had  entered  a  thicket  which  hid  them  from 
view,  that  he  permitted  his  feelings  to  have 
sway. 

Then,  indeed,  he  drew  the  volume  from  his 
pocket  and  opened  its  leaves  with  an  eagerness 
he  could  no  longer  control.  It  seemed  as  if  he 
expected  to  read  more,  in  the  pages,  than  the  au- 
thor had  caused  to  be  placed  there ;  but  when 
his  eye  caught  sight  of  a  sealed  billet,  the  legacy 
of  M.  de  Barberie  fell  at  his  feet :  and  the  paper 
was  torn  asunder,  with  all  the  anxiety  of  one  who 
expected  to  find  in  its  contents  a  decree  of  life  or 
death. 

Amazement  was  clearly  the  first  emotion  of 
the  young  seaman.  He  read  and  reread ;  struck 
his  brow  with  his  hand  ;  gazed  about  him  at  the 
land  and  at  the  water ;  reperused  the  note ;  ex- 
amined the  superscription,  which  was  simply  to 
"Captain  Ludlow,  of  her  majesty's  ship  Co- 


AN  INTERRUPTION. 


2; 


quette  ;  "  smiled  ;  muttered  between  his  teeth  ; 
seemed  vexed,  yet  delighted ;  read  the  note  again 
word  by  word,  and  finally  thrust  it  into  his  pocket, 
with  the  air  of  a  man  who  had  found  reason  for 
both  regret  and  satisfaction  in  its  contents. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

"  What,  has  this  thing  appeared  again,  to-night  ?  " 

Hamlet. 

"  The  face  of  man  is  the  log-book  of  his 
thoughts,  and  Captain  Ludlow's  seem  agreeable," 
observed  a  voice,  that  came  from  one  who  was 
not  far  from  the  commander  of  the  Coquette, 
while  the  latter  was  still  enacting  the  pantomime 
described  in  the  close  of  the  preceding  chapter. 

"  Who  speaks  of  thoughts  and  log-books,  or 
who  dares  to  pry  into  my  movements  ? "  de- 
manded the  young  sailor,  fiercely. 

"  One  who  has  trifled  with  the  first  and  scrib- 
led  in  the  last  too  often,  not  to  know  how  to  meet 
a  squall,  whether  it  be  seen  in  the  clouds  or  only 
on  the  face  of  man.  As  for  looking  into  your 
movements,  Captain  Ludlow,  I  have  watched  too 
many  big  ships  in  my  time,  to  turn  aside  at  each 
light  cruiser  that  happens  to  cross  my  course.  I 
hope,  sir,  you  have  an  answer  ;  every  hail  has  its 
right  to  a  civil  reply." 

Ludlow  could  scarce  believe  his  senses,  when, 
on  turning  to  face  the  intruder,  he  saw  himself 
confronted  by  the  audacious  eye  and  calm  mien 
of  the  mariner  who  had,  once  before  that  morn- 
ing, braved  his  resentment.  Curbing  his  indig- 
nation, however,  the  young  man  endeavored  to 
enmlate  the  coolness  which,  notwithstanding  his 
inifrior  condition,  imparted  to  the  air  of  the  other 
something  that  was  imposing,  if  it  were  not  ab- 
solutely authoritative.  Perhaps  the  singularity 
of  the  adventure  aided  in  effecting  an  object,  that 
was  a  little  difficult  of  attainment  in  one  accus- 
tomed to  receive  so  much  habitual  deference  from 
most  of  those  who  made  the  sea  their  home. 
Swallowing  his  resentment,  the  young  commander 
answered : 

"  He  that  knows  how  to  face  his  enemies  with 
spirit,  may  be  accounted  sufficiently  bold;  but 
he  who  braves  the  anger  of  his  friend  is  fool- 
hardy." % 

"And  he  who  does  neither  is  wiser  than 
both,"  rejoined  the  reckless  hero  of  the  sash. 
"  Captain  Ludlow,  we  meet  on  equal  terms,  at 
present,  and  the  parley  may  be  managed  with 
some  freedom." 

"Equality  is  a  word  that  ill  applies  to  men 
of  stations  so  different." 


"  Of  our  stations  and  duties  it  is  noTneifessa- 
ry  to  speak.  I  hope  that,  when  the  proper  time 
shall  come,  both  may  be  found  ready  to  be  at  the 
first,  and  equal  to  discharge  the  last.  But  Cap- 
tain Ludlow,  backed  by  the  broadside  of  the 
Coquette  and  the  cross-fire  of  his  marines,  is  not 
Captain  Ludlow  alone,  on  a  sea-bluff,  with  a  crutch 
no  better  than  his  own  arm,  and  a  stout  heart. 
As  the  first,  he  is  like  a  spar  supported  by  back- 
stays and  forestays,  braces  and  standing  rigging  ; 
while  as  the  latter,  he  is  the  stick,  which  keeps 
its  head  aloft  by  the  soundness  and  quality  of  its 
timber.  You  have  the  appearance  of  one  who 
can  go  alone,  even  though  it  blew  heavier  than 
at  present,  if  one  may  judge  of  the  force  of  the 
breeze,  by  the  manner  it  presses  on  the  sails  of 
yonder  boat  in  the  bay." 

"Yonder  boat  begins  to  feel  the  wind,  tru- 
ly !  "  said  Ludlow,  suddenly  losing  all  other  inter- 
est in  the  appearance  of  the  periagua  which  held 
Alida  and  her  friends,  and  which,  at  that  instant, 
shot  out  from  beneath  the  cover  of  the  hill  into 
the  broad  opening  of  Raritan  Bay.  "  What  think 
you  of  the  time,  my  friend  ?  a  man  of  your  years 
should  speak  with  knowledge  of  the  weather." 

"Women  and  winds  are  only  understood, 
when  fairly  in  motion,"  returned  he.of  the  sash  ; 
"  now,  any  mortal  who  consulted  comfort  and  the 
skies,  would  have  preferred  a  passage  in  her 
majesty's  ship  Coquette,  to  one  in  yonder  dancing 
periagua;  yet  the  fluttering  silk  we  see  in  the 
boat,  tells  us  there  is  one  who  has  thought  other- 
wise." 

"  You  are  a  man  of  singular  intelligence," 
cried  Ludlow,  again  facing  the  intruder ;  "  as  well 
as  one  of  singular — " 

"  Effrontery,"  rejoined  the  other,  observing 
that  the  commander  hesitated.  "Let  the  com- 
missioned officer  of  the  queen  speak  boldly ;  I  am 
no  better  than  a  top-man,  or  at  most  a  quarter- 
master." 

"  I  wish  to  say  nothing  disagreeable,  but  I 
find  your  knowledge  of  my  offer  to  convey  the 
lady  and  her  friends  to  the  residence  of  Alderman 
Van  Beverout  a  little  surprising." 

"And  I  see  nothing  to  wonder  at,  in  your 
offer  to  convey  the  lady  anywhere,  though  the 
liberality  to  her  friends  is  not  an  act  of  so  clear 
explanation.  When  young  men  speak  from  the 
heart,  their  words  are  not  uttered  in  whispers." 

"  Which  would  imply  that  you  overheard  our 
conversation.  I  believe  it,  for  here  is  cover  at 
hand  to  conceal  you.  It  may  be,  sir,  that  you 
have  eyes  as  well  as  ears." 

"  I  confess  to  have  seen  your  countenance 
changing  sides,  like  a  member  of  Parliament 


28 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


turning  to  a  new  leaf  in  his  conscience  at  the 
minister's  signal,  while  you  overhauled  a  bit  of 
paper — " 

"  Whose  contents  you  could  not  know  !  " 

"  Whose  contents  I  took  to  be  some  private 
orders,  given  by  a  lady  who  is  too  much  of  a 
coquette  herself,  to  accept  your  offer  to  sail  in  a 
vessel  of  the  same  name." 

"  By  Heavens,  the  fellow  has  reason  in  his  in- 
explicable impudence  !  "  muttered  Ludlow,  pacing 
backward  and  forward  beneath  the  shadow  of  the 
tree.  "  The  language  and  the  acts  of  the  girl  are 
in  contradiction  ;  and  I  am  a  fool  to  be  trifled  with, 
like  a  midshipman  fresh  broken  loose  from  his 
mother's  apron-string.  Harkee,  Master-a-a  — 
You've  a  name,  I  suppose,  like  any  other  strag- 
gler on  the  ocean." 

"  Yes.  When  the  hail  is  loud  enough  to  be 
heard,  I  answer  to  the  call  of  Thomas  Tiller." 

"  Well,  then,  Master  Tiller,  so  clever  a  seaman 
should  be  glad  to  serve  the  queen." 

"  Were  it  not  for  duty  to  another,  whose  claim 
comes  first,  nothing  could  be  more  agreeable 
to  me  than  to  lend  a  lady  in  distress  a  helping 
hand." 

"  And  who  is  he,  who  may  prefer  a  claim  to 
your  services,  in  competition  with  the  majesty 
of  these  realms  ?  "  demanded  Ludlow,  with  a  lit- 
tle of  the  pretension  that,  when  speaking  of  its 
privileges,  is  apt  to  distinguish  the  manner  of 
one  who  has  been  accustomed  to  regard  royalty 
with  reverence. 

"  Myself.  When  our  affairs  call  us  the  same 
way,  no  one  can  be  readier  than  I,  to  keep  her 
majesty's  company;  but — " 

"  This  is  presuming  too  far,  on  the  trifling 
of  a  moment,"  interrupted  Ludlow ;  "  you  know, 
sirrah,  that  I  have  the  right  to  command  your  ser- 
vices, without  entering  into  a  parley  for  them ;  and 
which,  notwithstanding  your  gay  appearance, 
may  after  all  be  little  worth  the  trouble." 

"  There  is  no  need  to  push  matters  to  extrem- 
ity between  us,  Captain  Ludlow,"  resumed  the 
stranger,  who  had  appeared  to  muse  for  a  mo- 
ment. "  If  I  have  baffled  your  pursuit  once  to- 
day, it  was  perhaps  to  make  my  merit  in  entering 
the  ship  freely,  less  undeniable.  We  are  here 
alone,  and  your  honor  will  account  it  no  boasting 
if  I  say  that  a  man,  well-limbed  and  active,  who 
stands  six  feet  between  plank  and  carline,  is  not 
likely  to  be  led  against  his  will,  like  a  yawl  tow- 
ing at  the  stern  of  a  four-and-forty.  I  am  a  sea- 
man, sir;  and,  though  the  ocean  is  my  home,  I 
never  venture  on  it  without  sufficient  footing. 
Look  abroad  from  this  hill,  and  say  whether  there 
is  any  craft  in  view,  except  the  cruiser  of  the 


i  queen,  which  would  be  likely  to  suit  the  taste  of 

j  a  mariner  of  the  long  vovage  ?  " 

"  By  which  you  would  have  me  understand, 

j  you  are  here  in  quest  of  service  ?  " 

"  Nothing  less  ;  and,  though  the  opinion  of  a 

!  foremast  Jack  may  be  of  little  value,  you  will  not 
be  displeased  to  hear  that  I  might  look  farther 
without  finding  a  prettier  sea-boat,  or  a  swifter, 
than  the  one  which  sails  under  your  own  orders. 
A  seaman  of  your  station,  Captain  Ludlow,  is  not 

j  now  to  learn  that  a  man  speaks  differently, 
while  his  name  is  his  own,  and  after  he  has  given 
it  away  to  the  crown :  and  therefore  I  hope  my 
present  freedom  will  not  be  long  remembered." 

"  I  have  met  men  of  your  humor  before,  my 
friend,  and  I  have  not  now  to  learn  that  a 
thorough  man-of-war's  man  is  as  impudent  on 
shore  as  he  is  obedient  afloat.  Is  that  a  sail,  in 
the  offing,  or  is  it  the  wing  of  a  sea-fowl,  glitter- 
ing in  the  sun  ?  " 

"  It  may  be  either,"  observed  the  audacious 
mariner,  turning  his  eyes  leisurely  toward  the 
open  ocean,  "for  we  have  a  wide  lookout  from 
this  windy  bluff.  Here  are  gulls  sporting  above 
the  waves,  that  turn  their  feathers  toward  the 
light." 

"  Look  more  seaward.  That  spot  of  shining 
white  should  be  the  canvas  of  some  craft,  hover- 
ing in  the  offing ! " 

"  Nothing  more  probable,  in  so  light  a  breeze. 
Your  coasters  are  in  and  out,  like  water-rats  on 
a  wharf,  at  any  hour  of  the  twenty-four — and  yet 
to  me  it  seems  the  comb  of  a  breaking  sea." 

"'Tis  snow-white  duck;  such  as  your  swift 
rover  wears  on  his  loftier  spars  !  " 

"  A  duck  that  is  flown,"  returned  the  strarkier, 
dryly,  "  for  it  is  no  longer  to  be  seen.  These^y- 
aways,  Captain  Ludlow,  give  us  seamen  many 
sleepless  nights  and  idle  chases.  I  was  once 
running  down  the  coast  of  Italy,  between  the  isl- 
and of  Corsica  and  the  main,  when  one  of  these 
delusions  beset  the  crew,  in  a  manner  that  hath 
taught  me  to  put  little  faith  in  eyes,  unless  backed 
by  a  clear  horizon  and  a  cool  head." 

"  I'll  hear  the  circumstance,"  said  Ludlow, 
withdrawing  his  gaze  from  the  distant  ocean, 
like  one  who  was  satisfied  his  senses  had  been 
deceived.  "  What  of  this  marvel  of  the  Italian 
seas  ? "  # 

"  A  marvel  truly,  as  your  honor  will  confess, 
when  I  read  you  the  affair,  much  in  the  words  I 
had  it  logged,  for  the  knowledge  of  all  concerned. 
It  was  the  last  hour  of  the  second  dog-watch,  on 
Easter  Sunday,  with  the  wind  here  at  southeast- 
easterly.  A  light  air  filled  the  upper  canvas,  and 
just  gave  us  command  of  the  ship.    The  moun- 


MASTER  TILLER  AND  CAPTAIN  LUDLOW. 


20 


tains  of  Corsica,  with  Monte  Christo  and  Elba, 
had  all  been  sunk  some  hours,  and  we  were  on 
the  yards,  keeping  a  lookout  for  a  landfall  on  the 
Roman  coast.  A  low,  thick  bank  of  drifting  fog 
lay  along  the  sea,  inshore  of  us,  which  all  believed 
to  be  the  sweat  of  the  land,  and  thought  no  more 
of;  though  none  wished  to  enter  it,  for  that  is  a 
coast  where  foul  airs  rise,  and  through  which  the 
gulls  and  land-birds  refuse  to  fly.  Well,  here  we 
lay,  the  mainsail  in  the  brails,  the  topsails  beating 
the  mast-heads,  like  a  maiden  fanning  herself 
when  she  sees  her  lover,  and  nothing  full  but  the 
upper  duck,  with  the  sun  fairly  below  the  water 
in  the  western  board.  I  was  then  young,  and 
quick  of  eye,  as  of  foot,  and  therefore  among  the 
first  to  see  the  sight ! " 

"  Which  was — ?"  said  Ludlow,  interested  in 
spite  of  his  assumed  air  of  indifference. 

"  Why,  here  just  above  the  bank  of  foul  air, 
that  ever  rests  on  that  coast,  there  was  seen  an 
object,  that  looked  like  ribs  of  bright  light,  as  if 
a  thousand  stars  had  quitted  their  usual  berths 
in  the  heaven,  to  warn  us  off  the  land  by  a  super- 
natural beacon.  The  sight  was  in  itself  altogether 
out  of  nature  and  surprising.  As  the  night 
thickened,  it  grew  brighter  and  more  glowing,  as 
if  'twere  meant  in  earnest  to  warn  us  from  the 
coast.  But  when  the  word  was  passed  to  send 
the  glasses  aloft,  there  was  seen  a  glittering  cross 
on  high,  and  far  above  the  spars  on  which  earthly 
ships  carry  their  private  signals." 

"  This  was  indeed  extraordinary !  and  what 
did  you,  to  come  at  the  character  of  the  heavenly 
symbol ! " 

'1  We  wore  off-shore,  and  left  it  a  clear  berth 
for  folder  mariners.  Glad  enough  was  I  to  see, 
witji  the  morning  sun,  the  snowy  hills  of  Corsica 
again ! " 

"  And  the  appearance  of  that  object  was  never 
explained  ?  " 

"  Nor  ever  will  be.  I  have  since  spoke  with 
the  mariners  of  that  sea  concerning  the  sight,  but 
never  found  any  who  could  pretend  to  have  seen 
it.  There  was  indeed  one  bold  enough  to  say, 
there  is  a  church,  far  inland,  of  height  and  magni- 
tude sufficient  to  be  seen  some  leagues  at  sea, 
and  that,  favored  by  our  position  and  the  mists 
that  hung  above  the  low  grounds,  we  had  seen  its 
upper  works,  looming  above  the  fogs,  and  lighted 
for  some  brilliant  ceremony ;  but  we  were  all  too 
old  in  seaman's  experience  to  credit  so  wild  a  tale. 
I  know  not  but  a  church  may  loom,  as  well  as  a 
hill  or  a  ship ;  but  he  who  pretends  to  say  that 
the  hands  of  man  can  thus  pile  stones  among  the 
clouds,  should  be  certain  of  believers,  ere  he 
pushes  the  tale  too  far." 


"Your  narrative  is  extraordinary^  and  the 
marvel  should  have  been  looked  into  closer.  It 
may  truly  have  been  a  church,  for  there  stands 
an  edifice  at  Rome,  which  towers  to  treble  the 
height  of  a  cruiser's  masts." 

"  Having  rarely  troubled  churches,  I  know  not 
why  a  church  should  trouble  me,"  said  the  mari- 
ner of  the  sash,  while  he  turned  his  back  on  the 
ocean,  as  if  indisposed  to  regard  the  waste  of  water 
longer.  "  It  is  now  twelve  years  since  that  sight 
was  seen,  and,  though  a  seaman  of  many  voyages, 
my  eyes  have  not  looked  upon  the  Roman  coast 
from  that  hour  to  this.  Will  your  honor  lead  the 
way  from  the  bluff,  as  becomes  your  rank  ?  " 

"  Your  tale  of  the  burning  cross  and  looming 
church,  Master  Tiller,  had  almost  caused  me  to 
forget  to  watch  the  movements  of  yon  peria- 
gua,"  returned  Ludlow,  who  still  continued  to 
face  the  bay.  "That  obstinate  old  Dutchman — 
I  say,  sir,  that  Mr.  Alderman  Van  Beverout  has 
greater  confidence  in  this  description  of  craft 
than  I  feel  myself.  I  like  not  the  looks  of  yon- 
der cloud,  which  is  rising  from  out  the  mouth  of 
Raritan ;  and  here,  seaward,  we  have  a  gloomy 
horizon.  By  Heaven  !  there  is  a  sail  playing  in 
the  offing,  or  my  eye  hath  lost  its  use  and  judg- 
ment." 

"  Your  honor  sees  the  wing  of  the  sporting 
gull  again ;  it  had  been  nigh  to  deceive  my  sight, 
which  would  be  to  cheat  the  lookout  of  a  man 
that  has  the  advantage  of  some  ten  or  fifteen 
years'  more  practice  in  marine  appearances.  I 
remember  once,  when  beating  in  among  the 
islands  of  the  China  seas,  with  the  trades  here  at 
southeast — " 

"  Enough  of  your  marvels,  friend ;  the  church 
is  as  much  as  I  can  swallow,  in  one  morning. — It 
may  have  been  a  gull !  for  I  confess  the  object 
small :  yet  it  had  the  steadiness  and  size  of  a 
distant  sail !  There  is  some  reason  to  expect  one 
on  our  coast,  for  whom  a  bright  and  seaman's 
watch  must  be  had." 

"  This  may  then  leave  me  a  choice  of  ships," 
rejoined  Tiller.  "I  thank  your  honor  for  having 
spoken,  before  I  had  given  myself  away  to  the 
queen  ;  who  is  a  lady  that  is  much  more  apt  to 
receive  gift3  of  this  nature  than  to  return  them." 

"  If  your  respect  aboard  shall  bear  any  pro- 
portion to  your  hardihood  on  shore,  you  may  be 
accounted  a  model  of  civility !  But  a  mariner 
of  your  pretension  should  have  some  regard  to 
the  character  of  the  vessel  in  which  he  takes 
service." 

"  That  of  which  your  honor  spoke  is,  then,  a 
buccaneer  ?  " 

"  If  not  a  buccaneer,  one  but  little  better.  A 


30 


THE  WATER- WITCH. 


lawless  trader,  under  the  most  favorable  view ;  and 
there  are  those  who  think  that  he,  who  has  gone 
so  far,  has  not  stopped  short  of  the  end.  But 
the  reputation  of  the  Skimmer  of  the  Seas'  must 
be  known  to  one  who  has  navigated  the  ocean, 
long  as  you." 

"  You  will  overlook  the  curiosity  of  a  seafar- 
ing man,  in  a  matter  of  his  profession,"  returned 
the  mariner  of  the  sash,  with  strong  and  evident 
interest  in  his  manner.  "  I  am  lately  from  a  dis- 
tant ocean,  and,  though  many  tales  of  the  buc- 
caneers of  the  islands  have  been  narrated,  I  do 
not  remember  to  have  heard  of  that  rover,  before 
bis  name  came  into  the  discourse  between  me  and 
the  schipper  of  the  boat  that  plies  between  this 
landing  and  the  city.  I  am  not  altogether  what 
I  seem,  Captain  Ludlow ;  and,  when  further  ac- 
quaintance and  hard  service  shall  have  brought 
me  more  before  the  eyes  of  my  commander,  he 
may  not  repent  having  induced  a  thorough  sea- 
man to  enter  his  ship,  by  a  little  condescension 
and  good-nature  shown  while  the  man  was  still 
his  own  master.  Your  honor  will  take  no  offence 
at  my  boldness,  when  I  tell  you  I  should  be  glad 
to  know  more  of  this  unlawful  trader." 

Ludlow  riveted  his  eyes  on  the  unmoved  and 
manly  countenance  of  his  companion.  There 
was  a  vague  and  undefined  suspicion  in  the 
look ;  but  it  vanished,  as  the  practised  organs 
drank  in  the  assurance,  which  so  much  physical 
promise  afforded,  of  the  aid  of  a  bold  and  active 
mariner.  Rather  amused  than  offended  by  the 
freedom  of  the  request,  he  turned  upon  his  heel, 
and  as  they  descended  the  bluff,  on  their  way 
toward  the  place  of  landing,  he  contin%ed  the 
dialogue. 

"  You  are  truly  from  a  distant  ocean,"  said 
the  young  captain  of  the  Coquette,  smiling  like 
a  man  who  apologizes  to  himself  for  an  act  of 
what  he  thought  undue  condescension,  "  if  the 
exploits  of  a  brigantine  known  by  the  name  of 
the  Water- Witch,  and  of  him  who  commands 
her,  under  the  fit  appellation  of  the  Skimmer 
of  the  Seas,  have  not  yet  reached  your  ears. 
It  is  now  five  summers  since  orders  have  been 
in  the  colonies  for  the  cruisers  to  be  on  the  alert 
to  hunt  the  picaroon ;  and  it  is  even  said  the 
daring  smuggler  has  often  braved  the  pennants 
of  the  narrow  seas.  'Twould  be  a  bigger  ship, 
if  not  knighthood,  to  the  lucky  officer  who  should 
catch  the  knave !" 

"  He  must  drive  a  money-gaining  trade  to  run 
these  risks,  and  to  brave  the  efforts  of  so  many 
skilful  gentlemen !  May  I  add  to  a  presumption 
that  your  honor  already  finds  too  bold,  if  one  may 
judge  by  a  displeased  eye,  by  asking  if  report 


speaks  to  the  face  and  other  particulars  of  the 
person  of  this — free-trader,  one  must  call  him, 
though  freebooter  should  be  a  better  word." 

"  What  matters  the  personal  condition  of  a 
rogue ! "  said  Captain  Ludlow,  who  perhaps  re- 
membered that  the  freedom  of  their  intercourse 
had  been  carried  as  far  as  comported  with  pru- 
dence. 

"  What  matter,  truly  !  I  asked  because  the  de- 
scription answers  a  little  to  that  of  a  man  I  once 
knew,  in  the  seas  of  farther  India,  and  who  has 
long  since  disappeared,  though  no  one  can  say 
whither  he  has  gone.  But  this  Skimmer  of  the 
Seas  is  some  Spaniard  of  the  Main,  or  perhaps  a 
Dutchman  come  from  the  country  that  is  awash, 
in  order  to  taste  of  terra  jmria." 

"  Spaniard  of  the  southern  coast  never  carried 
so  bold  a  sail  in  these  seas,  nor  was  there  ever 
known  a  Dutchman  with  so  light  a  heel.  The 
fellow  is  said  to  laugh  at  the  swiftest  cruiser  out 
of  England  !  As  to  his  figure,  I  have  heard  little 
good  of  it.  'Tis  said  he  is  some  soured  officer 
of  better  days,  who  has  quitted  the  intercourse 
qf  honest  men,  because  roguery  is  so  plainly  writ- 
ten on  his  face  that  he  vainly  tries  to  hide  it." 

"  Mine  was  a  proper  man,  and  one  that  need 
not  have  been  ashamed  to  show  his  countenance 
among  his  fellows,"  said  he  of  the  sash.  "  This 
cannnot  be  the  same,  if  indeed  there  be  any  on 
the  coast.  Is't  known,  your  honor,  that  the  man 
is  truly  here  ?  " 

"  So  goes  a  rumor  ;  though  so  many  idle  tales 
have  led  me  before  to  seek  the  smuggler  where 
he  was  not,  that  I  give  but  little  faith  to  the  re- 
port.— The  periagua  has  the  wind  more  at  ^est, 
and  the  cloud  in  the  mouth  of  the  Rarita^  is 
breaking  into  scud.  The  alderman  will  hate  a 
lucky  run  of  it !  " 

"  And  the  gulls  have  gone  more  seaward — a 
certain  sign  of  pleasant  weather,"  returned  the 
other,  glancing  a  quick  but  keen  look  over  the 
horizon,  in  the  offing.  "  I  believe  our  rover,  with 
his  light  duck,  has  taken  flight  among  them ! " 

"  We  will  then  go  in  pursuit.  My  ship  is  bound 
to  sea ;  and  it  is  time,  Master  Tiller,  that  I  know  in 
what  berth  you  are  willing  to  serve  the  queen." 

"  God  bless  her  majesty !  Anne  is  a  royal 
lady,  and  she  had  a  lord  high-admiral  for  her 
husband.  As  for  a  berth,  sir,  one  always  ^wishes 
to  be  captain,  even  though  he  maybe  compelled  to 
eat  his  rations  in  the  lee-scuppers.  1  suppose  the 
first-lieutenancy  is  filled  to  your  honor's  liking?  " 

"  Sirrah,  this  is  trifling ;  one  of  your  years 
and  experience  need  not  be  told  that  commissions 
are  obtained  by  service." 

"  Under  favor  ;  I  confess  the  error.  Captain 


MASTER  TILLER'S  CONDITIONS. 


31 


Ludlow,  you  are  a  man  of  honor,  and  will  not  de- 
ceive a  sailor  who  puts  trust  in  your  word." 

"Sailor  or  landsman,  he  is  safe  who  has  the 
gage." 

u  Then,  sir,  I  ask  it.  Suffer  me  to  enter  your 
ship  ;  to  look  into  my  future  messmates,  and  to 
judge  of  their  characters ;  to  see  if  the  vessel 
suits  my  humor ;  and  then  to  quit  her,  if  I  find  it 
convenient." 

"  Fellow,"  said  Ludlow,  "  this  impudence  al- 
most surpasseth  patience ! " 

"  The  request  is  reasonable,  as  can  be  shown," 
gravely  returned  the  unknown  mariner.  "  Now, 
Captain  Ludlow  of  the  Coquette  would  gladly  tie 
himself,  for  better  for  worse,  to  a  fair  lady  who 
has  lately  gone  on  the  water,  and  yet  there  are 
thousands  who  might  be  had  with  less  difficulty." 

"  Still  deeper  and  deeper  in  thy  effrontery ! 
And  what  if  this  be  true  ?  " 

"Sir,  a  ship  is  a  seaman's  mistress — nay, 
when  fairly  under  a  pennant,  with  a  war  declared, 
he  may  be  said  to  be  wedded  to  her,  lawfully  or 
not.  He  becomes  '  bone  of  her  bone,  and  flesh  of 
her  flesh,  until  death  doth  them  part.'  To  such  a 
long  compact  there  should  be  liberty  of  choice. 
Has  not  your  mariner  a  taste  as  well  as  your  lov- 
er ?  The  harpings  and  counter  of  his  ship  are 
the  waist  and  shoulders  ;  the  rigging,  the  ringlets ; 
the  cut  and  fit  of  the  sails,  the  fashion  of  the  mil- 
linery ;  the  guns  are  always  called  the  teeth,  and 
her  paint  is  the  blush  and  bloom !  Here  is  a 
matter  of  choice,  sk ;  and,  without  leave  to  make 
it,  I  must  wish  your  honor  a  happy  cruise,  and 
the  queen  a  better  servitor." 

"  Why,  Master  Tiller,"  cried  Ludlow,  laugh- 
ing, "  you  trust  too  much  to  these  stunted  oaks, 
if  you  believe  it  exceeds  my  power  to  hunt  you 
out  of  their  cover  at  pleasure.  But  I  take  you  at 
your  word.  The  Coquette  shall  receive  you  on 
these  conditions,  and  with  the  confidence  that  a 
first-rate  city  belle  would  enter  a  country  ball- 
room." 

"  I  follow  in  your  honor's  wake  without  more 
words,"  returned  he  of  the  sash,  for  the  first  time 
respectfully  raising  his  canvas  cap  to  the  young 
commander.  "  Though  not  actually  married,  con- 
sider me  a  man  betrothed." 

It  is  not  necessary  to  pursue  the  discourse 
between  the  two  seamen  any  further.  It  was 
maintained,  and  with  sufficient  freedom  on  the 
part  of  the  inferior,  until  they  reached  the  shore 
and  came  in  full  view  of  the  pennant  of  the 
queen,  when,  with  the  tact  of  an  old  man-of-war's 
man,  he  threw  into  his  manner  all  the  respect 
that  was  usually  required  by  the  difference  of 
rank. 


Half  an  hour  later,  the  Coquette  was  rolling  at 
a  single  anchor,  as  the  puffs  of  wind  came  off  the 
hills  on  her  three  topsails ;  and  shortly  after  she 
was  seen  standing  through  the  Narrows,  with  a 
fresh  southwesterly  breeze.  In  all  these  move- 
ments there  was  nothing  to  attract  attention. 
Notwithstanding  the  sarcastic  allusions  of  Alder- 
man Yan  Beverout,  the  cruiser  was  far  from  be- 
ing idle ;  and  her  passage  outward  was  a  circum- 
stance of  so  common  occurrence,  that  it  excited 
no  comment  among  the  boatmen  of  the  bay  and 
the  coasters,  who  alone  witnessed  her  departure. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

"I  am  no  pilot;  yet,  wert  thou  as  far 
As  that  vast  shore  washed  with  the  furthest  sea, 
I  would  adventure  for  such  merchandise.1' 

Eomeo  and  Juliet. 

A  happy  mixture  of  land  and  water,  seen  by 
a  bright  moon,  and  beneath  the  sky  of  the  fortieth 
degree  of  latitude,  cannot  fail  to  make  a  pleasing 
picture.  Such  was  the  landscape  which  the  read- 
er must  now  endeavor  to  present  to  his  mind. 

The  wide  estuary  of  Raritan  is  shut  in  from 
the  winds  and  billows  of  the  open  sea  by  a  long, 
low,  and  narrow  cape,  or  point,  which  by  a  med- 
ley of  the  Dutch  and  English  languages,  that  is 
by  no  means  rare  in  the  names  of  places  that  lie 
within  the  former  territories  of  the  United  Prov- 
inces of  Holland,  is  known  by  the  name  of  Sandy 
Hook.  This  tongue  of  land  appears  to  have  been 
made  by  the  unremitting  and  opposing  actions  of 
the  waves  on  one  side,  and  of  the  currents  of  the 
different  rivers,  that  empty  their  waters  into  the 
bay,  on  the  other.  It  is  commonly  connected 
with  the  low  coast  of  New  Jersey,  to  the  south ; 
but  there  are  periods  of  many  years  in  succes- 
sion, during  which  there  exists  an  inlet  from  the 
sea,  between  what  may  be  termed  the  inner  end  of 
the  cape  and  the  main-land.  During  these  periods, 
Sandy  Hook  of  course  becomes  an  island.  Such 
was  the  fact  at  the  time  of  which  it  is  our  busi- 
ness to  write. 

The  outer  or  ocean  side  of  this  low  and  nar- 
row bank  of  sand,  is  a  smooth  and  regular  beach, 
like  that  seen  on  most  of  the  Jersey  coast,  while 
the  inner  is  indented,  in  a  manner  to  form  sever- 
al convenient  anchoring-grounds,  for  ships  that 
seek  a  shelter  from  easterly  gales.  One  of  the 
latter  is  a  circular  and  pretty  cove,  in  which  ves- 
sels of  a  light  draught  are  completely  embayed, 
and  where  they  may  in  safety  ride  secure  from 
any  winds  that  blow.    The  harbor — or,  as  it  is 


32 


THE  WATER- WITCH. 


always  called,  the  cove — lies  at  the  point  where 
the  cape  joins  the  main,  and  the  inlet  just  named 
communicates  directly  with  its  waters  whenever 
the  passage  is  open.  The  Shrewsbury,  a  river  of 
the  fourth  or  fifth  class,  or,  in  other  words,  a 
stream  of  a  few  hundred  feet  in  width,  and  of  no 
great  length,  comes  from  the  south,  running  near- 
ly parallel  with  the  coast,  and  becomes  a  tributa- 
ry of  the  bay,  also,  at  a  point  near  the  cove. 
Between  the  Shrewsbury  and  the  sea,  the  land  re- 
sembles that  on  the  cape,  being  low  and  sandy, 
though  not  entirely  without  fertility.  It  is  cov- 
ered with  a  modest  growth  of  pines  and  oaks, 
where  it  is  not  either  subject  to  the  labors  of  the 
husbandman,  or  in  natural  meadow.  But  the 
western  bank  of  the  river  is  an  abrupt  and  high 
acclivity,  which  rises  to  the  elevation  of  a  moun- 
tain. It  was  near  the  base  of  the  latter  that 
Alderman  Van  Beverout,  for  reasons  that  may  be 
more  fully  developed  as  we  proceed  in  our  tale, 
had  seen  fit  to  erect  his  villa,  which,  agreeably  to 
a  usage  of  Holland,  he  had  called  the  Lust  in  Rust ; 
an  appellation  that  the  merchant,  who  had  read  a 
few  of  the  classics  in  his  boyhood,  was  want  to 
say  meant  nothing  more  nor  less  than  "Otium 
cum  dignitate." 

If  a  love  of  retirement  and  a  pure  air  had  its 
influence  in  determining  the  selection  of  the 
burgher  of  Manhattan,  be  could  not  have  made  a 
better  choice.  The  adjoining  lands  had  been  oc- 
cupied, early  in  the  previous  century,  by  a  respect- 
able family  of  the  name  of  Hartshorne,  which  con- 
tinues seated  at  the  place  to  the  present  hour. 
The  extent  of  their  possessions  served,  at  that 
day,  to  keep  others  at  a  distance.  If  to  this  fact 
be  added  the  formation  and  quality  of  the  ground, 
which  was,  at  so  early  a  period,  of  trifling  value 
for  agricultural  purposes,  it  will  be  seen  there 
was  as  little  motive  as  there  was  opportunity  for 
strangers  to  intrude.  As  to  the  air,  it  was  re- 
freshed by  the  breezes  of  the  ocean,  which  was 
scarcely  a  mile  distant ;  while  it  had  nothing  to 
render  it  unhealthy  or  impure.  With  this  sketch 
of  the  general  features  of  the  scene  where  so 
many  of  our  incidents  occurred,  we  shall  proceed 
to  describe  the  habitation  of  the  alderman  a  little 
more  in  detail. 

The  villa  of  the  Lust  in  Rust  was  a  low,  irreg- 
ular edifice,  in  bricks,  whitewashed  to  the  color 
of  the  driven  snow,  and  in  a  taste  that  was  alto- 
gether Dutch.  There  were  many  gables  and 
weathercocks,  a  dozen  small  and  twisted  chim- 
neys, with  numberless  facilities  that  were  intended 
for  the  nests  of  the  storks.  These  airy  sites 
were,  however,  untenanted,  to  the  great  admi- 
ration of  the  honest  architect,  who,  like  many 


others  that  bring  with  them  into  this  hemisphere 
habits  and  opinions  that  are  better  suited  to  the 
other,  never  ceased  expressing  his  surprise  on  the 
subject,  though  all  the  negroes  of  the  neighbor- 
hood united  in  affirming  there  was  no  such  bird  in 
America.  In  front  of  the  house  there  was  a  nar- 
row but  an  exceedingly  neat  lawn,  encircled  by 
shrubbery ;  while  two  old  elms  that  seemed  coe- 
val with  the  mountain,  grew  in  the  rich  soil  of 
which  the  base  of  the  latter  was  composed.  Nor 
was  there  a  want  of  shade  on  any  part  of  the  na- 
tural terrace  that  was  occupied  by  the  buildings. 
It  was  thickly  sprinkled  with  fruit-trees,  and 
here  and  there  was  a  pine  or  an  oak  of  the  native 
growth.  A  declivity  that  was  rather  rapid,  fell  away 
in  front  to  the  level  of  the  mouth  of  the  river.  In 
short,  it  was  an  ample  but  an  unpretending  coun- 
try-house, in  which  no  domestic  convenience  had 
been  forgotten  ;  while  it  had  little  to  boast  of  in 
the  way  of  architecture,  except  its  rusty  vanes 
and  twisted  chimneys.  A  few  out-houses  for  the 
accommodation  of  the  negroes,  were  nigh  and 
nearer  to  the  river ;  there  were  barns  and  stables 
of  dimensions  and  materials  altogether  superior 
to  those  that  the  appearance  of  arable  land  or  the - 
condition  of  the  small  farm  would  seem  to  render 
necessary.  The  periagua  in  which  the  proprietor 
had  made  his  passage  across  the  outer  bay,  lay 
at  a  small  wooden  wharf  immediately  below. 

For  the  earlier  hours  of  the  evening,  the  flash- 
ing of  candles,  and  a  general  and  noisy  movement 
among  the  blacks,  had  denoted  the  presence  of 
the  master  of  the  villa.  But  the  activity  had  grad- 
ually subsided ;  and,  before  the  clock  struck  nine, 
the  manner  in  which  the  lights  were  distributed, 
and  the  general  silence,  showed  that  the  party, 
most  probably  fatigued  with  their  journey,  had 
already  separated  for  the  night.  The  clamor  of 
the  negroes  had  ceased,  and  the  quiet  of  deep 
sleep  was  already  prevailing  among  their  humble 
dwellings. 

At  the  northern  extremity  of  the  villa,  which, 
it  will  be  remembered,  leaned  against  the  moun- 
tain, and  facing  the  east,  or  fronting  the  river 
and  the  sea,  there  stood  a  little  wing,  even  more 
deeply  embowered  in  shrubbery  and  low  trees, 
than  the  other  parts  of  the  edifice,  and  which 
was  constructed  altogether  in  a  different  style. 
This  was  a  pavilion  erected  for  the  particular  ac- 
commodation and  at  the  cost  of  la  belle  Barberie. 
Here  the  heiress  of  the  two  fortunes  was  accus- 
tomed to  keep  her  own  little  menage  during  the 
weeks-  passed  in  the  country;  and  here  she 
amused  herself  in  those  pretty  and  feminine  em- 
ployments that  suited  her  years  and  tastes.  In 
compliment  to  the  beauty  and  origin  of  its  inhab- 


/ 

A  BOLD  INTRUSION. 


itant,  the  gallant  Francois  had  christened  this  par- 
ticular portion  of  the  villa  la  Cour  des  Fees,  a  name 
that  had  got  into  general  use,  though  somewhat 
corrupted  in  sound. 

On  the  present  occasion  the  blinds  of  the 
principal  apartment  of  the  pavilion  were  open, 
and  its  mistress  was  still  to  be  seen  at  one  of  the 
windows.  Alida  was  at  an  age  when  the  sex  is 
most  sensible  of  lively  impressions,  and  she  looked 
abroad  on  the  loveliness  of  the  landscape,  and  on 
the  soft  stillness  of  the  night,  with  the  pleasure 
that  such  a  mine  was  wont  to  receive  from  ob- 
jects of  natural  beauty. 

There  wa3  a  young  moon,  and  a  firmament 
glowing  with  a  myriad  of  stars.  The  light  was 
shed  softly  on  the  water,  though  here  and  there 
the  ocean  glittered  with  its  rays.  A  nearly  imper- 
ceptible, but  what  seamen  call  a  heavy  air,  came 
oif  the  sea,  bringing  with  it  the  refreshing  cool- 
ness of  the  hour.  The  surface  of  the  immense 
waste  was  perfectly  unruffled,  both  within  and 
without  the  barrier  of  sand  that  forms  the  cape ; 
but  the  body  of  the  element  was  heaving  and 
settling  heavily,  in  a  manner  to  resemble  the  sleep- 
ing respiration  of  some  being  of  huge  physical 
frame.  The  roar  of  the  surf,  which  rolled  up  in 
long  and  white  curls  upon  the  sands,  was  the  only 
audible  sound  ;  but  that  was  heavy  and  incessant, 
sometimes  swelling  on  the  air  hollow  and  threat- 
ening, and  at  others  dying  in  dull  and  distant 
murmurs  on  the  ear.  There  was  a  charm  in  these 
varieties  of  sound,  |ind  in  the  solemn  stillness  of 
such  a  night,  that  drew  Alida  into  her  little  bal- 
cony ;  and  she  leaned  forward  beyond  its  shadow 
of  sweet-brier,  to  gaze  at  a  part  of  the  bay  that 
was  not  visible  in  the  front  view,  from  her  win- 
dows. 

La  belle  Barberie  smiled  when  she  saw  the 
dim  masts  and  dark  hull  of  a  ship  which  was  an- 
chored near  the  end  of  the -cape,  and  within  its 
protection.  There  was  the  look  of  womanly  pride 
in  her  dark  eye,  and  haply  some  consciousness  of 
womanly  power  in  the  swell  of  her  rich  lip,  while 
a  taper  finger  beat  the  bar  of  the  balcony  rapidly, 
and  without  consciousness  of  its  employment. 

"The  loyal  Captain  Ludlow  has  quickly  ended 
his  cruise ! "  said  the  maiden  aloud,  for  she  spoke 
under  the  influence  of  a  triumph  that  was  too 
natural  to  be  suppressed.  "I  shall  become  a 
convert  to  my  uncle's  opinions,  and  think  the 
queen  badly  served." 

"  He  who  serves  one  mistress  faithfully  has  no 
light  task,"  returned  a  voice  from  among  the 
shrubbery  that  grew  beneath,  and  nearly  veiled 
the  window;  "but  he  who  is  devoted  to  two, 
may  well  despair  of  success  with  both  ! " 
3 


33 

Alida  recoiled,  and  at  the  next  instant  she 
saw  her  place  occupied  by  the  commander  of  the 
Coquette.  Before  venturing  to  cross  the  low  bar- 
rier that  still  separated  him  from  the  little  parlor, 
the  young  man  endeavored  to  read  the  eye  of  its 
occupant ;  and  then,  either  mistaking  its  expres- 
sion, or  bold  in  his  years  or  hopes,  he  entered  the 
room. 

Though  certainly  unused  to  have  her  apart- 
ment scaled  with  so  little  ceremony,  there  was 
neither  apprehension  nor  wonder  in  the  counte- 
nance of  the  fair  descendant  of  the  Huguenot. 
The  blood  mantled  more  richly  on  her  cheek,  and 
the  brightness  of  an  eye  that  was  never  dull,  in- 
creased, while  her  fine  form  became  firm  and 
commanding. 

"I  have  heard  that  Captain  Ludlow  gained 
much  of  his  renown  by  gallantry  in  boarding," 
she  said,  in  a  voice  whose  meaning  admitted  of 
no  misconception  ;  "  but  I  had  hoped  his  ambi- 
tion was  satisfied  with  laurels  so  fairly  won  from 
the  enemies  of  his  country !  " 

"A  thousand  pardons,  fairest  Alida,"  inter- 
rupted the  youth ;  "  you  know  the  obstacles  that 
the  jealous  watchfulness  of  your  uncle  opposes 
to  my  desire  to  speak  with  you." 

"  They  are  then  opposed  in  vain,  for  Alder- 
man Yan  Beverout  has  weakly  believed  the  sex 
and  condition  of  his  ward  would  protect  her  from 
these  coups-de-main." 

"  Nay,  Alida ;  this  is  being  more  capricious 
than  the  winds !  You  know  too  well  how  far 
my  suit  is  unpleasant  to  your  guardian,  to  torture 
a  slight  departure  from  cold  observances  into 
cause  of  serious  complaint.  I  had  hoped — per- 
haps, I  should  say,  I  have  presumed  on  the  con- 
tents of  your  letter,  for  which  I  return  a  thousand 
thanks  ;  but  do  not  thus  cruelly  destroy  expecta- 
tions that  have  so  lately  been  raised  beyond  the 
point,  perhaps,  which  reason  may  justify." 

The  glow,  which  had  begun  to  subside  on  the 
face  of  la  belle  Barberie,  again  deepened,  and  for 
a  moment  it  appeared  as  if  her  high  self-depend- 
ence was  a  little  weakened.  After  an  instant  of 
reflection,  however,  she  answered  steadily,  though 
not  entirely  without  emotion  : 

"  Reason,  Captain  Ludlow,  has  limited  female 
propriety  within  narrow  limits,"  she  said.  "  In 
answering  your  letter,  I  have  consulted  good- 
nature more  than  prudence;  and  I  find  that  you 
are  not  slow  in  causing  me  to  repent  the  error." 

"  If  I  ever  cause  you  to  repent  confidence  in 
me,  sweet  Alida,  may  disgrace  in  my  profession^ 
and  the  distrust  of  the  whole  sex,  be  my  punish- 
ment !  But,  have  I  not  reason  to  complain  of 
this  inconstancy  on  your  part  ?    Ought  I  to  ex- 


THE  WATER- WITCH. 


pect  so  severe  a  reprimand — severe,  because  cold 
and  ironical — for  an  offence,  venial  as  the  wish 
to  proclaim  my  gratitude  ?  " 

"  Gratitude ! "  repeated  Alida,  and  this  time 
her  wonder  was  not  feigned.  "  The  word  is 
strong,  sir  ;  and  it  expresses  more  than  an  act  of 
courtesy,  so  simple  as  that  which  may  attend  the 
lending  a  volume  of  popular  poetry  can  have  any 
right  to  claim." 

"  I  have  strangely  misconceived  the  meaning 
of  the  letter,  or  this  has  been  a  day  of  folly ! " 
said  Ludlow,  endeavoring  to  swallow  his  discon- 
tent. "  But,  no ;  I  have  your  own  words  to  re- 
fute that  averted  eye  and  cold  look ;  and,  by  the 
faith  of  a  sailor,  Alida,  I  will  believe  your  delib- 
erate and  well-reflected  thoughts,  before  these 
capricious  fancies,  which  are  unworthy  of  your 
nature.  Here  are  the  very  words ;  I  shall  not 
easily  part  with  the  flattering  hopes  they  con- 
vey ! " 

La  belle  Barberie  now  regarded  the  young 
man  in  open  amazement.  Her  color  changed; 
for  of  the  indiscretion  of  writing  she  knew  she 
was  not  guiltless — but  of  having  written  in  terms 
to  justify  the  confidence  of  the  other,  she  felt  no 
consciousness.  The  customs  of  the  age,  the  pro- 
fession of  her  suitor,  and  the  hour,  induced  her 
to  look  steadily  into  his  face,  to  see  whether,  the 
man  stood  before  her  in  all  the  decency  of  his 
reason.  But  Ludlow  had  the  reputation  of  being 
exempt  from  a  vice  that  was  then  but  too  com- 
mon among  seamen,  and  there  was  nothing  in  his 
ingenuous  and  really  handsome  features  to  cause 
her  to  distrust  his  present  discretion.  She  touched 
a  bell,  and  signed  to  her  companion  to  be 
seated. 

"Francis,"  said  his  mistress  when  the  old 
valet,  but  half  awake,  entered  the  apartment, 
"  fais  moi  le  plaisir  de  m'apporter  de  cette  eau 
de  la  fontaine  du  bosquet,  et  du  vin — le  Capitaine 
Ludlow  a  soif;  et  rappelle-toi,  bon  Francis,  il 
ne  faut  pas  deranger  mon  oncle  a  cette  heure;  il 
doit  etre  bien  fatigue  de  son  voyage." 

When  her  respectful  and  respectable  servitor 
had  received  his  commission  and  departed,  Alida 
took  a  seat  herself,  in  the  confidence  of  having  de- 
prived the  visit  of  Ludlow  of  its  clandestine  char- 
acter, and  at  the  same  time  having  employed  the 
valet  on  an  errand  that  would  leave  her  sufficient 
leisure  to  investigate  the  inexplicable  meaning  of 
her  companion. 

"  You  have  my  word,  Captain  Ludlow,  that 
this  unseasonable  appearance  in  the  pavilion  is 
indiscreet,  not  to  call  it  cruel,"  she  said,  so  soon 
as  they  were  again  alone;  "but  that  you  have 
it,  in  any  manner  to  justify  your  imprudence, 


I  must  continue  to  doubt  until  confronted  by 
proof." 

"  I  had  thought  to  have  made  a  very  different 
use  of  this,"  returned  Ludlow,  drawing  a  letter — 
we  admit  it,  with  some  reluctance  in  one  so  simple 
and  so  manly — from  his  bosom ;  "  and  even  now 
I  take  shame  in  producing  it,  though  at  your  own 
orders." 

"  Some  magic  has  wrought  a  marvel,  or  the 
scrawl  has  no  such  importance,"  observed  Alida, 
taking  a  billet  that  she  now  began  to  repent  hav- 
ing ever  written.  "  The  language  of  politeness 
and  female  reserve  must  admit  of  strange  perver- 
sions, or  all  who  read  are  not  the  best  interpret- 
ers." 

La  belle  Barberie  ceased  speaking,  for,  the  in- 
stant her  eye  fell  on  the  paper,  an  absorbing  and 
intense  curiosity  got  the  better  of  her  resentment. 
We  shall  give  the  contents  of  the  letter,  precisely 
in  the  words  which  caused  so  much  amazement 
and  possibly  some  little  uneasiness  to  the  fair 
creature  who  was  perusing  it. 

"  The  life  of  a  seaman,"  said .  the  paper,  in  a 
delicate  and  beautiful  female  hand,  "  is  one  of 
danger  and  exposure.  It  inspires  confidence  in 
woman,  by  the  frankness  to  which,  it  gives  birth, 
and  it  merits  indulgence  by  its  privations.  She 
who  writes  this,  is  not  insensible  to  the  merit  of 
men  of  this  bold  calling.  Admiration  for  the  sea 
and  for  those  who  live  on  it,  has  been  her  weak- 
ness through  life  ;  and  her  visions  of  the  future, 
likeher  recollections  of  the  past,  are  not  entirely 
exempt  from  a  contemplation  of  its  pleasures. 
The  usages  of  different  nations — glory  in  arms — 
change  of  scene — with  constancy  in  the  affections, 
all  sweetened  by  affluence,  are  temptations  too 
strong  for  a  female  imagination,  and  they  should 
not  be  without  their  influence  on  the  judgment 
of  man.  Adieu." 

This  note  was  read,  reperused,  and  for  the 
third  time  conned,  ere  Alida  ventured  to  raise 
her  eyes  to  the  face  of  the  expectant  young 
man. 

"  And  this  indelicate  and  unfeminine  rhapsody 
Captain  Ludlow  has  seen  proper  to  ascribe  to 
me  ! "  she  said,  while  her  voice  trembled  between 
pride  and  mortification. 

"  To  whom  else  can  I  impute  it  ?  No  other, 
lovely  Alida,  could  utter  language  so  charming, 
in  words  so  properly  chosen." 

The  long  lashes  of  the  maiden  played  quickly 
above  their  dark  organs ;  then,  conquering  feel- 
ings that  were  strangely  in  contradiction  to  each 
other,  she  said  with  dignity,  turning  to  a  little 
ebony  escritoire  which  lay  beside  her  dressing- 
box: 


ALIDA'S  EXPLANATION. 


35 


"My  correspondence  is  neither  very  impor- 
tant nor  very  extensive  ;  but  such  as  it  is,  happi- 
ly for  the  reputation  of  the  writer's  taste,  if  not 
for  her  sanity,  Ibelieve  it  is  in  my  power  to  show 
the  trifle  I  thought  it  decorous  to  write,  in  reply 
to  your  own  letter.  Here  is  a  copy,"  she  added, 
opening  what  in  fact  was  a  draught,  and  reuding 
aloud. 

"  I  thank  Captain  Ludlow  for  his  attention  in 
affording  me  an  opportunity  of  reading  a  narra- 
tive of  the  cruel  deeds  of  the  buccaneers.  In  ad- 
dition to  the  ordinary  feelings  of  humanity,  one 
cannot  but  regret  that  men  so  heartless  are  to  be 
found  in  a  profession  that  is  commonly  thought 
to  be  generous  and  tender  of  the  weak.  We  will 
however,  hope,  that  the  very  wicked  and  coward- 
ly among  seamen  exist  only  as  foils  to  render  the 
qualities  of  the  Very  bold  and  manly  more  con- 
spicuous. No  one  can  be  more  sensible  of  this 
truth  than  the  friends  of  Captain  Ludlow  "  (the 
voice  of  Alida  fell  a  little,  as  she  came  to  this 
sentence),  "  who  has  not  now  to  earn  a  reputation 
for  mercy.  In  return,  I  send  the  copy  of  the 
Cid,  which  honest  Francois  affirms  to  be  superior 
to  all  other  poems,  not  even  excepting  Homer — 
a  book  which  I  believe  he  is  innocent  of  calum- 
niating, from  ignorance  of  its  contents.  Again 
thanking  Captain  Ludlow  for  this  instance  of  his 
repeated  attentions,  I  beg  he  will  keep  the  volume 
until  he  shall  return  from  his  intended' cruise." 

<(  This  note  is  but  a  copy  of  the  one  you  have, 
or  ought  to  have,"  said  the  niece  of  the  alderman, 
as  she  raised  her  glowing  face  from  leaning  over 
the  paper,  "  though  it  is  not  signed,  like  that, 
with  the  name  of  Alida  de  Barberie." 

When  this  explanation  was  over,  both  parties 
sat  looking  at  each  other  in  silent  amazement. 
Still  Alida  saw,  or  thought  she  saw,  that,  notwith- 
standing the  previous  professions  of  her  admirer, 
the  young  man  rejoiced  he  had  been  deceived. 
/Respect  for  delicacy  and  reserve  in  the  other 
sex  is  so  general  and  so  natural  among  men,  that 
they  who  succeed  the  most  in  destroying  its  bar- 
riers, rarely  fail  to  regret  their  triUmph ;  and  he 
who  truly  loves  can  never  long  exult  in  any  vio- 
lation of  propriety  in  the  object  of  his  affections, 
even  though  the  concession  be  made  in  his  own 
favor.  Under  the  influence  of  this  commendable 
and  healthful  feeling,  Ludlow,  while  he  was  in 
some  respects  mortified  at  the  turn  affairs  had 
taken,  felt  sensibly  relieved  from  a  load  of  doubt, 
to  which  the  extraordinary  language  of  the  letter 
he  believed  his  mistress  to  have  written,  had 
given  birth.  His  companion  read  the  state  of  his 
mind  in  a  countenance  that  was  frank  as  face  of 
sailor  could  be ;  and,  though  secretly  pleased  to 


gain  her  former  place  in  his  respect,  she  was  also 
vexed  and  wounded  that  he  had  ever  presumed  to 
distrust  her  reserve.  She  still  held  the  inexpli- 
cable billet,  and  her  eyes  naturally  sought  the 
lines.  A  sudden  thought  seemed  to  strike  her 
mind,  and,  returning  the  paper,  she  said,  coldly : 

"  Captain  Ludlow  should  know  his  correspond- 
ent better ;  I  much  mistake  if  this  be  the  first 
of  her  communications." 

The  young  man  colcred  to  the  temples  and' 
hid  his  face,  for  a  moment,  in  the  hollow  of  his 
hands. 

"  You  admit  the  truth  of  my  suspicions,"  con- 
tinued la  belle  Barberie,  "  and  cannot  be  insensi- 
ble of  my  justice,  when  I  add  that  henceforth — " 

"  Listen  to  me,  Alida,"  cried  the  youth,  half 
breathless  in  his  haste  to  interrupt  a  decision 
that  he  dreaded ;  "  hear  me,  and,  as  Heaven  is 
my  judge,  you  shall  hear  only  truth.  I  confess 
this  is  not  the  first  of  the  letters,  written  in  the 
same  hand — perhaps  I  should  say  in  the  same 
spirit— but,  on  the  -honor  of  a  loyal  officer,  I  af- 
firm that  until  circumstances  led  me  to  think  my- 
self so  happy— so — very  happy — " 

"  T  understand  you,  sir ;  the  work  was  anony- 
mous, until  you  saw  fit  to  inscribe  my  name  as 
its  author.  Ludlow  !  Ludlow  !  bow  meanly  you 
have  thought  of  the  woman  you  profess  to 
love!"   

"  That  were  impossible  !  I  mingle  little  with 
those  who  study  the  finesse  of  life ;  and  loving, 
as*  I  do,  my  noble  profession,  Alida,  was  it  so 
unnatural  to  believe  that  another  might  view  it 
with  the  same  eyes  ?  But  since  you  disavow  the 
letter — nay,  your  disavowal  is  unnecessary — I  see 
my  vanity  has  even  deceived  me  in  the  writing — 
but,  since  the  delusion  is  over,  I  confess  that  I  re- 
joice it  is  not  so." 

La  belle  Barberie  smiled,  and  her  counte- 
nance grew  brighter.  She  enjoyed  the  triumph 
of  knowing  that  she  merited  the  respect  of  her 
suitor,  and  it  was  a  triumph  heightened  by  recent 
mortification.  Then  succeeded  a  pause  of  more 
than  a  minute.  The  embarrassment  of  the  si- 
lence was  happily  interrupted  by  the  return  of 
Fran  901s. 

"Mam'selle  Alide,  voici  de  l'eau  de  la  fon- 
taine,"  said  the  valet ;  "  mais,  monsieur  votre  on- 
cle  s'est  couche,  et  il  a  mis  la  clef  de  la  cave  au 
vin  dessous  son  oreiller.  Ma  foi,  ce  n'est  pas 
facile  d'avoir  du  bon  vin  du  tout,  en  Amerique, 
mais  apres  que  monsieur  le  maire  s'est  couche, 
c'est  toujours  impossible  ;  voila  ! " 

"  N'importe,  mon  cher  ;  le  capitaine  va  partir, 
et  il  n'a  plus  soif." 

"Dere  is  assez  de  jin,"  continued  the  valet, 


36 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


who  felt  for  the  captain's  disappointment,  "mais, 
Monsieur  Loodle  have  du  gout,  an'  he  n'aime  pas 
so  strong  liqueur." 

V  He  has  swallowed  already  more  than  was 
necessary  for  one  occasion,"  said  Alida,  smiling 
on  her  admirer  in  a  manner  that  left  him  doubt- 
ful whether  he  ought  most  to  repine  or  to  rejoice. 
"  Thank  you,  good  Francois  ;  your  duty  for  the 
night  shall  end  with  lighting  the  captain  to  the 
door." 

Then,  saluting  the  young  commander  in  a 
manner  that  would  not  admit  of  denial,  la  belle 
Barberie  dismissed  her  lover  and  the  valet  to- 
gether. 

"  You  have  a  pleasant  office,  Monsieur  Fran- 
.cois,"  said  the  former,  as  he  was  lighted  to  the 
outer  door  of  the  pavilion ;  "  it  is  one  that  many 
a  gallant  gentleman  would  envy." 

"Oui,  sair — it  be  grand  plaisir  to  serve  Mam- 
'selle  Alide.  Je  porte  de  fan,  de  book,  mais 
quant  au  vin,  Monsieur  le  Capitaine,  parole 
d'honneur,  c'est  toujours  impossible  apres  que 
l'aldermain  s'est  couche." 

"  Ay — the  book — I  think  you  had  the  agree- 
able duty,  to-day,  of  carrying  the  book  of  la 
Belle  ? " 

"  Vraiment,  oui !  'Twaa  ouvrage  de  Monsieur 
Pierre  Corneille.  On  pretend,  que  Monsieur 
Shak-a-spear  en  a  emprunte  d'assez  beaux  senti- 
ments ! " 

"  And  the  paper  between  the  leaves  ? — you 
were  charged  also  with  that  note,  good  Fran- 
cois ?  " 

The  valet  paused,  shrugged  his  shoulders,  and 
laid  one  of  his  long  yellow  fingers  on  the  plane 
of  an  enormous  aquiline  nose,  while  he  seemed  to 
muse.  Then  shaking  his  head  perpendicularly, 
he  preceded  the  captain  as  before,  muttering  as 
usual,  half  in  French  and  half  in  English  : 

"  For  le  papier,  I  know  rien  du  tout ;  c'est 
bien  possible,  parceque,  voyez  vous,  Monsieur  le 
Capitaine,  Mam'selle  Alide  did  say,  prenez-y 
garde ;  but  I  no  see  him,  depuis.  Je  suppose 
'twas  beaux  compliments  ecrits  on  de  vers  of  M, 
Pierre  Corneille.  Quel  genie  que  celui  de  cet 
homme  la  ! — n'est  ce  pas,  monsieur  ?  " 

"It  is  of  no  consequence,  good  Francois," 
said  Ludlow,  slipping  a  guinea  into  the  hands  of 
the  valet.  "  If  you  should  ever  discover  what  be- 
came of  that  paper,  however,  you  will  oblige  me 
by  letting  me  know.  Good-night ;  mes  devoirs 
a  la  BeUe !  " 

"  Bon  soir,  Monsieur  le  Capitaine ;  c'est  un 
brave  monsieur  que  celui-la,  et  de  tres  bonne 
famille!  II  n'a  pas  de  si  grandes  terres,  que 
Monsieur  le  Patteroon,  pourtant,  on  dit,  qu'il  doit 


avoir  de  jolies  maisons  et  assez  de  rentes  pu- 
bliques !  J'aime  a  servir  un  si  genereux  et  loyal 
maitre,  mais,  malheureusement,  il  est  marin! 
M.  de  Barberie  n'avait  pas  trop  d'amitie  pour  les 
gens  de  cette  profession  la." 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

"  Well,  Jessica,  go  in ; 
Perhaps,  I  will  return  immediately : 
Do  as  I  bid  you, 

Shut  doors  after  you ;  Fast  bind,  fast  find ; 
A  proverb  never  stale,  in  thrifty  mind." 

Mee chant  op  "Venice. 

The  decision  with  which  la  demoiselle  Barberie 
had  dismissed  her  suitor,  was  owing  to  some 
consciousness  that  she  had  need  of  opportunity  to 
reflect  on  the  singular  nature  of  the  events  which 
had  just  happened,  no  less  than  to  a  sense  of  the 
impropriety  of  his  visiting  her  at  that  hour,  and 
in  a  manner  so  equivocal.  But,  like  others  who 
act  from  feverish  impulses,  when  alone  the  maiden 
repented  of  her  precipitation;  and  she  remem- 
bered fifty  questions  which  might  aid  in  clear- 
ing the  affair  of  its  mystery,  that  she  would  now 
gladly  put.  It  was  too  late,  however,  for  she  had 
heard  Ludlow  take  his  leave,  and  had  listened,  in 
breathless  silence,  to  his  footstep,  as  he  passed 
the  shrubbery  of  her  little  lawn.  Francois  reap- 
peared at  the  door,  to  repeat  his  wishes  for  her 
rest  and  happiness,  and  then  she  believed  she  was 
finally  alone  for  the  night,  since  the  ladies  of  that 
age  and  country  were  little  apt  to  require  the  as- 
sistance of  their  attendants,  in  assuming  or  in 
divesting  themselves  of  their  ordinary  attire. 

It  was  still  early,  and  the  recent  interview  had 
deprived  Alida  of  all  inclination  for  sleep.  She 
placed  the  lights  in  a  distant  corner  of  the  apart- 
ment, and  approached  a  window.  The  moon  had 
so  far  changed  its  position  as  to  cast  a  different 
light  upon  the  water.  The  hollow  washing  of  the 
surf,  the  dull  but  heavy  breathing  of  the  air  from 
the  sea,  and  the  soft  shadows  of  the  trees  and 
mountain,  were  much  the  same.  The  Coquette 
lay,  as  before,  at  her  anchor  near  the  cape,  and 
the  Shrewsbury  glittered  toward  the  south,  until 
its  surface  was  concealed  by  the  projection  of  a 
high  and  nearly  perpendicular  bluff. 

The  stillness  was  profound,  for,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  the  dwelling  of  the  family  who  occu- 
pied the  estate  nearest  the  villa,  there  was  no 
other  habitation  within  some  miles  of  the  place. 
Still  the  solitude  of  the  situation  was  undisturbed 
by  any  appehension  of  danger,  or  any  tradition 
of  violence  from  rude  and  lawless  men.  The 


A  STRANGE  VESSEL. 


37 


peaceable  character  of  the  colonists  who  dwelt 
in  the  interior  country  was  proverbial,  and  their 
habits  simple  ;  while  the  ocean  was  never  entered 
by  those  barbarians  who  then  rendered  some  of 
the  seas  of  the  other  hemisphere  as  fearful  as 
they  were  pleasant. 

Notwithstanding  this  known  and  customary 
character  of  tranquillity,  and  the  lateness  of  the 
hour,  Alida  had  not  been  many  moments  in.  her 
balcony  before  she  heard  the  sound  of  oars.  The 
stroke  was  measured,  and  the  noise  low  and  dis- 
tant, but  it  was  too  familiar  to  be  mistaken.  She 
wondered  at  the  expedition  of  Ludlow,  who  was 
not  accustomed  to  show  such  haste  in  quitting 
her  presence,  and  leaned  over  the  railing  to  catch 
a  glimpse  of  his  departing  boat.  Each  moment 
she  expected  to  see  the  little  bark  issue  from  out 
of  the  shadows  of  the  land,  into  the  sheet  of 
brightness  which  stretched  nearly  to  the  cruiser. 
She  gazed  long,  and  in  vain,  for  no  barge  appeared, 
yet  the  sound  had  become  inaudible.  A  light 
still  hung  at  the  peak  of  the  Coquette,  a  sign  that 
the  commander  was  out  of  his  vessel. 

The  view  of  a  fine  ship,  seen  by  the  aid  of 
the  moon,  with  its  symmetry  of  spars  and  its  deli- 
cate tracery  of  cordage,  and  the  heavy  and  grand 
movements  of  the  hull  as  it  rolls  on  the  sluggish 
billows  of  a  calm  sea,  is  ever  a  pleasing  and  in- 
deed an  imposing  spectacle.  Alida  knew  that 
more  than  a  hundred  human  beings  slept  within 
the  black  and  silent  mass,  and  her  thoughts  in- 
sensibly wandered  to  the  business  of  their  daring 
lives,  their  limited  abode,  and  yet  wandering  ex- 
istence, their  frank  and  manly  qualities,  their  de- 
votion to  the  cause  of  those  who  occupied  the 
land,  their  broken  and  interrupted  connection 
with  the  rest  of  the  human  family,  and  finally  to 
those  weakened  domestic  ties,  and  to  that  reputa- 
tion for  inconstancy,  which  are  apparently  a  nat- 
ural consequence  of  all.  She  sighed,  and  her 
eye  wandered  from  the  ship  to  that  ocean  on 
which  it  was  constructed  to  dwell.  From  the  dis- 
tant, low,  and  nearly  imperceptible  shore  of  the 
island  of  Nassau,  to  the  coast  of  New  Jersey, 
there  was  one  broad  and  untenanted  waste.  Even 
the  sea-fowl  rested  his  tired  wing,  and  slept  tran- 
quilly on  the  water.  The  broad  space  appeared 
like  some  great  and  unfrequented  desert,  or  rather 
like  a  denser  and  more  material  copy  of  the  fir- 
mament by  which  it  was  canopied. 

It  has  been  mentioned  that  a  stunted  growth 
of  oaks  and  pines  covered  much  of  the  sandy 
ridge  that  formed  the  cape.  The  same  covering 
furnished  a  dark  setting  to  the  waters  of  the 
cove.  Above  this  outline  of  wood,  which  fringed 
the  margin  of  the  sea,  Alida  now  fancied  she  saw 


an  object  in  motion.  At  first,  she  believed  some 
ragged  and  naked  tree,  of  which  the  coast  had 
many,  was  so  placed  as  to  deceive  her  vision, 
and  had  thrown  its  naked  lines  upon  the  back- 
ground of  water,  in  a  manner  to  assume  the  shape 
and  tracery  of  a  light-rigged  vessel.  But  when 
the  dark  and  symmetrical  spars  were  distinctly 
seen,  gliding  past  objects  that  were  known  to  be 
stationary,  it  was  impossible  to  doubt  their  char- 
acter. The  maiden  wondered,  and  her  surprise 
was  not  unmixed  with  apprehension.  It  seemed 
as  if  the  stranger,  for  such  the  vessel  must  needs 
be,  was  recklessly  approaching  a  surf  that,  in  its 
most  tranquil  moments,  was  dangerous  to  such  a 
fabric,  and  that  he  steered,  unconscious  of  hazard, 
directly  upon  the  land.  Even  the  movement  was 
mysterious  and  unusual.  Sails  there  were  none ; 
and  yet  the  light  and  lofty  spars  were  soon  hid 
behind  a  thicket  that  covered  a  knoll  near  the 
margin  of  the  sea.  Alida  expected,  each  moment, 
to  hear  the  cry  of  mariners  in  distress ;  then,  as 
the  minutes  passed  on  and  no  such  fearful  sound 
interrupted  the  stillness  of  the  night,  she  began 
to  bethink  her  of  those  lawless  rovers,  who  were 
known  to  abound  among  the  Caribbean  isles,  and 
and  who  were  said  sometimes  even  to  enter  and 
to  refit  in  the  smaller  and  more  secret  inlets  of 
the  American  Continent.  The  tales,  coupled 
with  the  deeds,  character,  and  fate  of  the  notori- 
ous Kidd,  were  then  still  recent,  and  although 
magnified  and  colored  by  vulgar  exaggerations, 
as  all  such  tales  are  known  to  be,  enough  was 
believed,  by  the  better  instructed,  to  make  his 
life  and  death  the  subject  of  many  curious  and 
mysterious  rumors.  At  this  moment,  she  would 
have  gladly  recalled  the  young  commander  of  the 
Coquette,  to  apprise  him  of  the  enemy  that  was 
nigh  ;  then,  ashamed  of  terrors  that  she  was  fain 
to  hope  savored  more  of  woman's  weakness  than 
of  truth,  she  endeavored  to  believe  the  whole 
some  ordinary  movement  of  a  coaster,  who,  famil- 
iar with  his  situation,  could  not  possibly  be  either 
in  want  of  aid,  or  an  object  of  alarm.  Just  as  this 
natural  and  consoling  conclusion  crossed  her 
mind,  she  very  audibly  heard  a  step  in  her  pavil- 
ion. It  seemed  near  the  door  of  the  room  she 
occupied.  Breathless,  more  with  the  excitement 
of  her  imagination,  than  with  any  actual  fear 
created  by  this  new  cause  of  alarm,  the  maiden 
quitted  the  balcony,  and  stood  motionless  to  lis- 
ten. The  door,  in  truth,  was  opened  with  singu- 
lar caution,  and,  for  an  instant,  Alida  saw  nothing 
but  a  confused  area,  in  the  centre  of  which  ap. 
peared  the  figure  of  a  menacing  and  rapacious 
freebooter. 

"Northern  lights  and  moonshine  !  "  growled 


38 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


Alderman  Van  Beverout,  for  it  was  no  other  than 
the  uncle  of  the  heiress,  whose  untimely  and  un- 
expected visit  had  caused  her  so  much  alarm. 
"This  sky-watching,  and  turning  of  night  into 
day,  will  be  the  destruction  of  thy  beauty,  niece ; 
and  we  shall  see  how  plenty  patroons  are  for 
husbands !  A  bright  eye  and  a  blooming  cheek 
are  thy  stock  in  trade,  girl ;  and  she  is  a  spend- 
thrift of  both  who  is  out  of  her  bed  when  the 
clock  hath  struck  ten." 

"  Your  discipline  would  deprive  many  a  beauty 
of  the  means  of  using  her  power,"  returned  la 
demoiselle,  smiling  as  much  at  the  folly  of  her 
recent  fears,  as  with  affection  for  her  reprover. 
"  They  tell  me  that  ten  is  the  witching  time  of 
night,  for  the  necromancy  of  the  dames  of  Europe." 

"  Witch  me  no  witches !  The  name  reminds 
one  of  the  cunning  Yankees,  a  race  that  would 
outwit  Lucifer  himself,  if  left  to  set  the  conditions 
to  their  bargain.  Here  is  the  patroon,  wishing  to 
let  in  a  family  of  the  knaves  among  the  honest 
Dutchmen  of  his  manor ;  and  we  have  just  settled 
a  dispute  between  us,  on  this  subject,  by  making 
the  lawful  trial." 

"Which,  it  may  be  proper  to  hope,  dearest 
uncle,  was  not  the  trial  by  battle?  " 

"  Peace  and  olive-branches,  no  !  The  patroon 
of  Kinderhook  is  the  last  man  in  the  Americas 
that  is  likely  to  suffer  by  the  blows  of  Myndert 
Yan  Beverout.  I  challenged  the  boy  to  hold  a 
fine  eel,  that  the  blacks  have  brought  out  of  the 
river  to  help  in  breaking  our  morning  fasts,  that 
it  might  be  seen  if  he  were  fit  to  deal  with  the 
slippery  rogues.  By  the  merit  of  the  peaceable 
St.  Nicholas  !  but  the  son  of  old  Hendrick  Yan 
Staats  had  a  busy  time  of  it !  The  lad  griped 
the  fish,  as  the  ancient  tradition  has  it  that  thy 
uncle  clinched  the  Holland  florin,  when  my  father 
put  it  between  my  fingers,  within  the  month,  in 
order  to  see  if  the  true  saving  grace  was  likely  to 
abide  in  the  family  for  another  generation.  My 
heart  misgave  me  for  a  moment ;  for  young  Oloff 
has  the  fist  of  a  vise,  and  I  thought  the  goodly 
names  of  the  Harmans  and  Rips,  Corneliuses  and 
Dircks  of  the  manor  rent-roll  were  likely  to  be 
contaminated  by  the  company  of  an  Increase  or 
a  Peleg ;  but.just  as  the  patroon  thought  he  had 
the  watery  viper  by  the  throat,  the  fish  gave  an 
unexpected  twist,  and  slid  through  his  fingers  by 
the  tail.  Flaws  and  loop-holes  !  but  that  experi- 
ment has  as  much  wisdom  as  wit  in  it ! " 

"And  to  me,  it  seemeth  better,  now  that 
Providence  has  brought  all  the  colonies  under  one 
government,  that  these  prejudices  should  be  for- 
gotten. We  are  a  people  sprung  from  many  na- 
tions, and  our  effort  should  be  to  preserve  the 


liberality  and  intelligence,  while  we  forget  the 
weaknesses  of  all." 

"  Bravely  said,  for  the  child  of  a  Huguenot ! 
But  I  defy  the  man  who  brings  prejudice  to  my 
door.  I  like  a  merry  trade,  and  a  quick  cal- 
culation. Let  me  see  the  man  in  all  New  Eng- 
land that  can  tell  the  color  of  a  balance-sheet 
quicker  than  one  that  can  be  named,  and  I'll 
gladly  hunt  up  the  satchel  and  go  to  school  again. 
I  love  a  man  the  better  for  looking  to  his  own  in- 
terests, I ;  and  yet,  common  honesty  teaches  us 
that  there  should  be  a  convention  between  men, 
beyond  which  none  of  reputation  and  character 
ought  to  go." 

"Which  convention  shall  be  understood,  by 
every  man,  to  be  the  limits  of  his  own  faculties  ; 
by  which  means  the  dull  may  rival  the  quick 
of  thought.  I  fear  me,  uncle,  there  should  be 
an  eel  kept  on  every  coast  to  which  a  trader 
comes  ! "  • 

"Prejudice  and  conceit,  child,  acting  on  a 
drowsy  head ;  'tis  time  thou  seekest  thy  pillow, 
and  in  the  morning  we  shall  see  if  young  Oloff  of 
the  manor  shall  have  better  success  with  thy  fa- 
vor, than  with  the  prototype  of  the  Jonathans. 
Here,  put  out  these  flaring  candles,  and  take  a 
modest  lamp  to  light  thee  to  thy  bed.  Glaring 
windows,  so  near  midnight,  give  a  house  an  ex- 
travagant name  in  the  neighborhood." 

"  Our  reputation  for  sobriety  may  suffer  in 
the  opinion  of  the  eels,"  returned  Alida,  laughing, 
"  but  here  are  few  others,  I  believe,  to  call  us 
dissipated." 

"  One  never  knows,  one  never  knows,"  mut- 
tured  the  alderman,  extinguishing  the  two  large 
candles  of  his  niece,  and  substituting  his  own  lit-, 
tie  hand-lamp  in  their  place.  "  This  broad  light 
only  invites  to  wakefuluess,  while  the  dim  taper 
I  leave  is  good  as  a  sleeping  draught.  Kiss  me, 
wilful  one,  and  draw  thy  curtains  close,  for  the 
negroes  will  soon  rise  to  load  the  periagua,  that 
they  may  go  up  with  the  tide  to  the  city.  The 
noise  of  the  chattering  blackguards  may  disturb 
thy  slumbers." 

"  Truly,  it  would  seem  there  is  little  here  to 
invite  such  active  navigation,"  returned  Alida,  sa- 
luting the  cheek  of  her  uncle,  at  his  order.  "  The 
love  of  trade  must  be  strong,  when  it  finds  the 
materials  of  commerce  in  a  solitude  like  this." 

"  Thou  hast  divined  the  reason,  child.  Thy 
father,  Monsieur  de  Barberie,  had  his  peculiar 
opinions  upon  the  subject,  and  doubtless  he  did 
not  fail  to  transmit  some  of  them  to  his  offspring. 
And  yet,  when  the  Huguenot  was  driven  from  his 
chateau  and  his  clayey  Norman  lands,  the  man 
had  no  distaste  himself  for  an  account-current, 


THE  BRIGANTINE  AT  ANCHOR. 


30 


provided  the  balance  was  in  his  own  favor.  Na- 
tions and  characters  !  I  find  but  little  difference, 
after  all,  in  trade,  whether  it  be  driven  with  a 
Mohawk  for  his  pack  of  furs,  or  with  a  seigneur, 
who  has  been  driven  from  his  lands.  Each  strives 
to  get  the  profit  on  his  own  side  of  the  account, 
and  the  loss  on  that  of  his  neighbor.  So  rest 
thee  well,  girl ;  and  remember  that  matrimony  is 
no  more  than  a  capital  bargain,  on  whose  success 
depends  the  sum  total  of  a  woman's  comfort — and 
so,  once  more,  good-night." 

La  belle  Barberie  attended  her  uncle  dutifully 
to  the  door  of  her  pavilion,  which  she  bolted  after 
him  ;  and  then,  finding  her  little  apartment  gloomy 
by  the  light  of  the  small  and  feeble  lamp  he  had 
left,  she  was  pleased  to  bring  its  flame  in  con- 
tact with  the' wicks  of  the  two  candles  he  had  just 
extinguished.  Placing  the  three  near  each  other 
on  a  table,  the  maiden  again  drew  nigh  a  window. 
The  unexpected  interview  with  the  alderman  had 
consumed  several  minutes,  and  she  was  curious 
to  know  more  of  the  unaccountable  movements  of 
the  mysterious  vessel. 

The  same  deep  silence  reigned  about  the  villa, 
and  the  slumbering  ocean  was  heaving  and  setting 
as  heavily  as  before.  Alida  again  looked  for  the 
boat  of  Ludlow ;  but  her  eye  ran  over  the  whole 
distance  of  the  bright  and  broad  streak  between 
her  and  the  cruiser  in  vain.  There  was  the 
slight  ripple  of  the  water  in  the  glittering  of  the 
moon's  rays,  but  no  speck  like  that  the  barge 
would  make  was  visible.  The  lantern  still  shone 
at  the  cruiser's  peak.  Once,  indeed,  she  thought 
the  sound  of  oars  was  again  to  be  heard,  and 
much  nearer  than  before;  yet  no  effort  of  her 
quick  and  roving  sight  could  detect  the  position 
of  the  boat.  To  all  these  doubts  succeeded  an 
alarm  which  sprang  from  a  new  and  very  differ- 
ent source. 

The  existence  of  the  inlet  which  united  the 
ocean  with  the  waters  of  the  cove  was  but  little 
known,  except  to  the  few  whose  avocations  kept 
them  near  the  spot  The  pass  being  much  more 
than  half  the  time  closed,  its  varying  character, 
and  the  little  use  that  could  be  made  of  it  under 
any  circumstances,  prevented  the  place  from  being 
a  subject  of  general  interest  with  the  coasters. 
Even  when  open,  the  depth  of  its  water  was  un- 
certain, since  a  week  or  two  of  calms,  or  of  west- 
erly winds,  would  permit  the  tides  to  clean  its 
channel,  while  a  single  easterly  gale  was  sufficient 
^to  choke  the  entire  inlet  with  sand.  No  wonder, 
then,  that  Alida  felt  an  amazement  which  was  not 
quite  free  from  superstitious  alarm,  when,  at  that 
hour  and  in  such  a  scene,  she  saw  a  vessel  glid- 
ing, as  it  were,  unaided  by  sails  or  sweeps,  out 


of  the  thicket  that  fringed  the  ocean-side  of  the 
cove,  into  its  very  centre. 

The  strange  and  mysterious  craft  was  a  brigan- 
tine  of  that  mixed  construction,  which  is  much 
used  even  in  the  most  ancient  and  classical  seas 
of  the  other  hemisphere,  and  which  is  supposed 
to  unite  the  advantages  of  both  a  square  and  of  a 
fore-and-aft  rigged  vessel,  but  which  is  nowhere 
seen  to  display  the  same  beauty  of  form,  and  sym- 
metry of  equipment,  as  on  the  coasts  of  this 
Union.  The  first  and  smallest  of  its  masts  had 
all  the  complicated  machinery  of  a  ship,  with  its 
superior  and  inferior  spars,  its  wider  reaching, 
though  light  and  manageable  yards,  and  its  va- 
rious sails,  shaped  and  arranged  to  meet  every 
vicissitude  and  caprice  of  the  winds ;  while  the 
latter,  or  larger  of  the  two,  rose  like  the  straight 
trunk  of  a  pine  from  the  hull,  simple  in  its  cord- 
age, and  spreading  a  single  sheet  of  canvas,  that 
in  itself  was  sufficient  to  drive  the  fabric  with  vast 
velocity  through  the  water.  The  hull  was  low, 
graceful  in  its  outlines,  dark  as  the  raven's  wing, 
and  so  modelled  as  to  float  on  its  element  like  a 
sea-gull  riding  the  billows.  There  were  many 
delicate  and  attenuated  lines  among  its  spars, 
which  were  intended  to  spread  broader  folds  of 
canva3  to,  the  light  airs  when  necessary;  but 
these  additions  to  the  tracery  of  the  machine, 
which  added  so  much  to  its  beauty  by  day,  were 
now,  seen  as  it  was  by  the  dimmer  and  more 
treacherous  rays  of  the  moon,  scarcely  visible. 
In  short,  as  the  vessel  had  entered  the  cove  float- 
ing with  the  tide,  it  was  so  singularly  graceful 
and  fairy -like  in  form,  that  Alida  at  first  was  fain 
to  discredit  her  senses,  and  to  believe  it  no  more 
than  some  illusion  of  the  fancy.  Like  most 
others,  she  was  ignorant  of  the  temporary  inlet, 
and,  under  the  circumstances,  it  was  not  difficult 
to  lend  a  momentary  credence  to  so  pleasing  an 
idea. 

But  the  delusion  was  only  momentary.  The 
brigantine  turned  in  its  course,  and,  gliding  into 
the  part  of  the  cove  where  the  curvature  of  the 
shores  offered  most  protection  from  the  winds 
and  waves,  and  perhaps  from  curious  eyes,  its 
motion  ceased.  A  heavy  plunge  in  the  water 
was  audible  even  at  the  villa,  and  Alida  then 
knew  that  an  anchor  had  fallen  into  the  bay. 

Although  the  coast  of  North  America  offered 
little  to  invite  lawless  depredation,  and  it  was  in 
general  believed  to  be  so  safe,  yet  the  possibility 
that  cupidity  might  be  invited  by  the  retired  situ- 
ation of  her  uncle's  villa  did  not  fail  to  suggest 
itself  to  the  mind  of  the  young  heiress.  Both 
she  and  her  guardian  were  reputed  to  be  wealthy ; 
and  disappointment  on  the  open  sea  might  drive 


40 


THE  WATER- WITCH. 


desperate  men  to  the  commission  of  crimes  that 
in  more  prosperous  moments  would  not  suggest 
themselves.  The  freebooters  were  said  to  have 
formerly  visited  the  coast  of  the  neighboring  isl- 
and, and  men  were  just  then  commencing  those 
excavations  for  hidden  treasures  and  secreted 
booty  which  have  been,  at  distant  intervals,  con- 
tinued to  our  own  time. 

There  are  situations,  in  which  the  mind  insen- 
sibly gives  credit  to  impressions  that  the  reason 
in  common  disapproves.  The  present  was  one  in 
which  Alida  de  Barberie,  though  of  a  resolute 
and  even  a  masculine  understanding,  felt  disposed 
to  believe  there  might  be  truth  in  those  tales 
that  she  had  hitherto  heard  only  to  deride. 
Still  keeping  her  eye  on  the  motionless  vessel, 
she  drew  back  into  her  window,  and  wrapped  the 
curtain  round  her  form,  undecided  whether  to 
alarm  the  family  or  not,  and  acting  under  a  vague 
impression  that,  though  so  distant,  her  person 
might  be  seen.  She  was  hardly  thus  secreted, 
before  the  shrubbery  was  violently  agitated,  a 
footstep  was  heard  in  the  lawn  beneath  her  win- 
dow, and  one  leaped  so  lightly  into  the  balcony, 
and  from  the  balcony  into  the  centre  of  the  room, 
that  the  passage  of  the  figure  seemed  like  the  flit- 
ting of  some  creature  of  supernatural  attributes. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

"  Why  look  yon,  how  you  stare ! 
I  would  be  friends  with  you,  and  have  your  love.'* 

Shtlock. 

The  first  impulse  of  Alida,  at  this  second  in- 
vasion of  her  pavilion,  was  certainly  to  flee.  But 
timidity  was  not  her  weakness,  and  as  natural 
firmness  gave  her  time  to  examine  the  person  of 
the  individual  who  had  so  unceremoniously  en- 
tered, curiosity  aided  in  inducing  her  to  remain. 
Perhaps  a  vague  but  a  very  natural  expectation 
that  she  was  again  to  dismiss  the  commander  of 
the  Coquette,  had  its  influence  on  her  first  deci- 
sion. In  order  that  the  reader  may  judge  how 
far  this  boldness  was  excusable,  we  shall  describe 
the  person  of  the  intruder. 

The  stranger  was  one  in  the  very  bud  of 
young  and  active  manhood.  His  years  could  not 
have  exceeded  two-and-twenty,  nor  would  he 
probably  have  been  thought  so  old,  had  not  his 
features  been  shaded  by  a  rich  brown  hue,  that 
in  some  degree  served  as  a  foil  to  a  natural  com- 
plexion which,  though  never  fair,  was  still  clear 
and  blooming.  A  pair  of  dark,  bushy,  and  jet- 
black  silken  whiskers,  that  were  in  singular  con- 


trast to  eyelashes  and  brows  of  feminine  beauty 
and  softness,  aided  also  in  giving  a  decided  ex- 
pression to  a  face  that  might  otherwise  have 
been  wanting  in  some  of  that  character  which  is 
thought  essential  to  the  comeliness  of  man.  The 
forehead  was  smooth  and  low  ;  the  nose,  though 
prominent  and  bold  in  outline,  of  exceeding  deli- 
cacy in  detail ;  the  mouth  and  lips  full,  a  little 
inclined  to  be  arch,  though  the  former  appeared 
as  if  it  might  at  times  be  pensive ;  the  teeth  were 
even  and  unsullied,  and  the  chin  was  small,  round, 
dimpled,  and  so  carefully  divested  of  the  distin- 
guishing mark  of  the  sex,  that  one  could  fancy 
Nature  had  contributed  all  its  growth  to  adorn 
the  neighboring  cheeks  and  temples.  If  to  these 
features  be  added  a  pair  of  full  and  brilliant  coal- 
black  eyes,  that  appeared  to  vary  their  expres- 
sion at  their  master's  will,  the  reader  will  at  once 
see  that  the  privacy  of  Alida  had  been  invaded 
by  one  whose  personal  attractions  might,  under 
other  circumstances,  have  been  dangerous  to  the 
imagination  of  a  female  whose  taste  was  in  some 
degree  influenced  by  a  standard  created  by  her 
own  loveliness. 

The  dress  of  the  stranger  was  as  unique  as 
his  personal  attractions  were  extraordinary.  The 
fashion  of  the  garments  resembled  that  of  those 
already  described  as  worn  by  the  man  who  has  an- 
nounced himself  as  Master  Tiller ;  but  the  materi- 
als were  altogether  richer,  and,  judging  only  from 
the  exterior,  more  worthy  of  the  wearer. 

The  light  frock  was  of  a  thick  purple  silk,  of 
an  Indian  manufacture,  cut  with  exceeding  care  to 
fit  the  fine  outlines  of  a  form  that  was  rather 
round  than  square,  active  than  athletic.  The 
loose  trousers  were  of  a  fine  white  jean,  the  cap  of 
scarlet  velvet,  ornamented  with  gold,  and  the  body 
was  belted  with  a  large  cord  of  scarlet  silk, 
twisted  in  the  form  of  a  ship's  cable.  At  the 
ends  of  the  latter,  little  anchors  wrought  in  bull- 
ion were  attached  as  gay  and  fitting  append- 
ages. 

In  contrast  to  an  attire  so  whimsical  and  un- 
common, however,  a  pair  of  small  and  richly- 
mounted  pistols  were  at  the  stranger's  girdle ;  and 
the  haft  of  a  curiously-carved.  Asiatic  dagger  was 
seen  projecting  rather  ostentatiously  from  be- 
tween the  folds  of  the  upper  garment. 

"What  cheer!  what  cheer!"  cried  a  voice, 
that  was  more  in  harmony  with  the  appearance 
of  the  speaker  than  with  the  rough,  professional 
salutation  he  uttered,  so  soon  as  he  had  fairly 
landed  in  the  centre  of  Alida's  little  saloon. 
"  Come  forth,  my  dealer  in  the  covering  of  the 
beaver,  for  here  is  one  who  brings  gold  to  thy 
coffers.  Ha  !  now  that  this  trio  of  lights  hath  done 


AN  UNEXPECTED  VISITOR.  41 


its  office,  it  may  be  extinguished,  lest  it  pilot 
others  to  the  forbidden  haven ! " 

"  Your  pardon,  sir,"  said  the  mistress  of  the 
pavilion,  advancing  from  behind  the  curtain  with 
an  air  of  coolness  that  her  beating  heart  had  nigh 
betrayed  to  be  counterfeit;  "having  so  unex- 
pected a  guest  to  entertain,  the  additional  candles 
are  necessary." 

The  start,  recoil,  and  evident  alarm  of  the 
intruder,  lent  Alida  a  little  more  assurance ;  for 
courage  is  a  quality  that  appears  to  gain  force  in 
a  degree  proportioned  to  the  amount  in  which  it 
is  abstracted  from  the  dreaded  object.  Still, 
when  she  saw  a  hand  on  a  pistol,  the  maiden  was 
again  about  to  flee  ;  nor  was  her  resolution  to  re- 
main confirmed  until  she  met  the  mild  and  allur- 
ing eye  of  the  intruder,  as,  quitting  his  hold  of 
the  weapon,  he  advanced  with  an  air  so  mild  and 
graceful  as  to  cause  generosity  to  take  the  place 
of  fear. 

"  Though  Alderman  Van  Beverout  be  not 
punctual  to  his  appointment,"  said  the  gay  young 
stranger,  "  he  has  more  than  atoned  for  his  ab- 
sence by  the  substitute  he  sends.  I  hope  she 
comes  authorized  to  arrange  the  whole  of  our 
treaty  ?  " 

"  I  claim  no  right  to  hear  or  to  dictate  in  mat- 
ters not  my  own.  My  utmost  powers  extend  to 
expressing  a  desire  that  this  pavilion  may  be  ex- 
empt from  the  discussion  of  affairs  as  much  be- 
yond my  knowledge  as  they  are  separated  from 
my  interests." 

"Then  why  this  signal?"  demanded  the 
stranger,  pointing  with  a  serious  air  to  the  lights 
that  still  burned  near  each  other  in  face  of  an 
open  window.  "  It  is  awkward  to  mislead  in 
transactions  that  are  so  delicate ! " 

"  Your  allusion,  sir,  is  not  understood.  These 
lights  are  no  more  than  what  are  usually  seen  in 
my  apartment  at  this  hour,  with,  indeed,  the  ad- 
dition of  a  lamp  left  by  my  uncle,  Alderman  Van 
Beverout." 

"  Your  uncle  ! "  exclaimed  the  other,  advan- 
cing so  near  Alida  as  to  cause  her  to  retire  a  step, 
his  countenance  expressing  a  deep  and  newly- 
awakened  interest—"  your  uncle !  This,  then,  is 
one  far-famed  and  justly  extolled,  la  belle  Barbe- 
rie  ! "  he  added,  gallantly  lifting  his  cap,  as  if  he 
had  just  discovered  the  condition  and  the  unusual 
personal  attractions  of  his  companion. 

It  was  not  in  nature  for  Alida  to  be  displeased. 
All  her  fancied  causes  of  terror  were  forgotten; 
for,  in  addition  to  their  improbable  and  uncertain 
nature,  the  stranger  had  sufficiently  given  her  to 
understand  that  he  was  expected  by  her  uncle. 
If  we  add  that  the  singular  attraction  and  soft- 


ness of  his  face  and  voice  aided  in  quieting  her 
fears,  we  shall  probably  do  no  violence  either  to 
the  truth  or  to  a  very  natural  feeling.  Profound- 
ly ignorant  of  the  details  of  commerce,  and  ac- 
customed to  hear  its  mysteries  extolled  as  exer- 
cising the  keenest  and  best  faculties  of  man,  she 
saw  nothing  extraordinary  in  those  who  were  ac- 
tively engaged  in  the  pursuit  having  reason  for 
concealing  their  movements  from  the  jealousy  and 
rivalry  of  competitors.  Like  most  of  her  sex,  she 
had  great  dependence  on  the  characters  of  those 
she  loved ;  and,  though  nature,  education,  and 
habit,  had  created  a  striking  difference  between 
the  guardian  and  his  ward,  their  harmony  had 
never  been  interrupted  by  any  breach  of  affec- 
tion. 

"  This,  then,  is  la  belle  Barberie  !  "  repeated 
the  young  sailor,  for  such  his  dress  denoted  him 
to  be,  studying  her  features  with  an  expression 
of  face  in  which  pleasure  vied  with  evident  and 
touching  melancholy.  "  Fame  hath  done  no  in- 
justice, for  here  is  all  that  might  justify  the  folly 
or  madness  of  man  !  " 

"  This  is  familiar  dialogue  for  an  utter  stran- 
ger," returned  Alida,  blushing,  though  the  quick 
dark  eye  that  seemed  to  fathom  all  her  thoughts 
saw  it  was  not  in  anger.  "  I  do  not  deny  that 
the  partiality  of  friends,  coupled  with  my  origin, 
have  obtained  the  appellation,  which  is  given, 
however,  more  in  playfulness  than  in  any  serious 
opinion  of  its  being  merited ;  and  now,  as  the 
hour  is  getting  late,  and  this  visit  is  at  least  un- 
usual, you  will  permit  me  to  seek  my  uncle." 

"Stay!"  interrupted  the  stranger — "it  is 
long — very  long,  since  so  soothing,  so  gentle  a 
pleasure  has  been  mine !  This  is  a  life  of  mys- 
teries, beautiful  Alida,  though  its  incidents  seem 
so  vulgar,  and  of  every-day  occurrence.  There  is 
mystery  in  its  beginning  and  its  end ;  in  its  im- 
pulses ;  its  sympathies  and  all  its  discordant  pas- 
sions. No,  do  not  quit  me.  I  am  from  off  the 
sea,  where  none  but  coarse  and  vulgar-minded 
men  have  long  been  my  associates ;  and  thy  pres- 
ence is  a  balm  to  a  bruised  and  wounded  spirit." 

Interested,  if  possible,  more  by  the  touching 
and  melancholy  tones  of  the  speaker,  than  by  his 
extraordinary  language,  Alida  hesitated.  Her 
reason  told  her  that  propriety,  and  even  pru- 
dence, required  she  should  apprise  her  uncle  of  the 
stranger's  presence ;  but  propriety  and  prudence 
lose  much  of  their  influence,  when  female  curiosi- 
ty is  sustained  by  a  secret  and  powerful  sympa- 
thy. Her  own  eloquent  eye  met  the  open  and 
imploring  look  of  organs  that  seemed  endowed 
with  the  fabled  power  to  charm  ;  and,  while  her 
judgment  told  her  there  was  so  much  to  alarm, 


42 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


her  senses  pleaded  powerfully  in  behalf  of  the 
gentle  mariner. 

"An  expected  guest  of  my  uncle  will  have 
leisure  to  repose,  after  the  privations  and  hard- 
ships of  so  weary  a  voyage,"  she  said.  "  This  is 
a  house  whose  door  is  never  closed  against  the 
rites  of  hospitality." 

"  If  there  is  aught  about  my  person  or  attire 
to  alarm  you,"  returned  the  stranger,  earnestly, 
"  speak,  that  it  may  be  cast  away  ;  these  arms — 
these  foolish  arms,  had  better  not  have  been 
here,"  he  added,  casting  the  pistols  and  dagger 
indignantly  through  a  window,  into  the  shrub- 
bery ;  "  ah !  if  you  knew  how  unwillingly  I  would 
harm  any — and,  least  of  all,  a  woman — you  would 
not  fear  me." 

"  I  fear  you  not,"  returned  la  Belle,  firmly. 
"  I  dread  the  misconceptions  of  the  world." 

"  What  world  is  here  to  disturb  us  ?  Thou 
livest  in  thy  pavilion,  beautiful  Alida,  remote 
from  towns  and  envy,  like  some  favored  damsel, 
over  whose  happy  and  charmed  life  presides  a 
benignant  genius.  See,  here  are  all  the  pretty 
materials  with  which  thy  sex  seeks  innocent 
and  happy  amusement.  Thou  touchest  this  lute, 
when  melancholy  renders  thought  pleasing ;  here 
are  colors  to  mock,  or  to  eclipse,  the  beauties  of 
the  fields  and  the  mountains,  the  flower,  and  the 
tree ;  and  from  these  pages  are  culled  thoughts, 
pure  and  rich  in  imagery,  as  thy  spirit  is  spotless 
and  thy  person  lovely  !  " 

Alida  listened  in  amazement;  for,  while  he 
spoke,  the  young  mariner  touched  the  different 
articles  he  named,  with  a  melancholy  interest, 
which  seemed  to  say  how  deeply  he  regretted 
that  Fortune  had  placed  him  in  a  profession  in 
which  their  use  was  nearly  denied. 

"  It  is  not  common  for  those  who  live  on  the 
sea  to  feel  this  interest  in  the  trifles  which  con- 
stitute a  woman's  pleasure,"  she  said,  lingering, 
spite  of  her  better  resolution  to  depart. 

"  The  spirit  of  our  rude  and  boisterous  trade 
is  then  known  to  you?  " 

"It  were  not  possible  for  the  relation  of  a 
merchant,  so  extensively  known  as  my .  uncle,  to 
be  ignorant  altogether  of  mariners." 

"  Ay,  here  is  proof  of  it,"  returned  the  stran- 
ger, speaking  so  quick  as  again  to  betray  how 
sensitively  his  mind  was  constructed.  . "  The 
1  History  of  the  American  Buccaneers,'  is  a  rare 
book  to  be  found  in  a  lady's  library!  What 
pleasure  can  a  mind  like  that  of  la  belle  Barberie 
find  in  these  recitals  of  bloody  violence  ?  " 

"  What  pleasure,  truly !  "  returned  Alida, 
half  tempted,  by  the  wild  and  excited  eye  of  her 
companion,  notwithstanding  all  the  contradictory 


evidence  which  surrounded  him,  to  believe  she  was 
addressing  one  of  the  very  rovers  in  question. 
"  The  book  was  lent  me  by  a  brave  seaman,  who 
holds  himself  in  readiness  to  repress  their  depre- 
dations ;  and,  while  reading  of  so  much  wicked- 
ness, I  endeavor  to  recall  the  devotion  Of  those 
who  risk  their  lives,  in  order  to  protect  the  weak 
and  innocent. — My  uncle  will  be  angered,  should 
I  longer  delay  to  apprise  him  of  your  presence." 

"  A  single  moment !  It  is  long-^-very  long, 
since  I  have  entered  a  sanctuary  like  this !  Here 
is  music,  and  there  the  frame  for  the  gaudy  tam- 
bour— these  windows  look  on  a  landscape,  soft 
as  thine  own  nature ;  and  yonder  ocean  can  be 
admired  without  dreading  its  terrific  power,  or 
feeling  disgust  at  its  coarser  scenes.  Thou  shouldst 
be  happy  here." 

The  stranger  turned  and  perceived  that  he 
was  alone.  Disappointment  was  strongly  painted 
on  his  handsome  face ;  but,  ere  there  was  time 
for  second  thought,  another  voice  was  heard 
grumbling  at  the  door  of  the  saloon. 

"  Compacts  and  treaties  !  What,  in  the  name 
of  good  faith,  hath  brought  thee  hither  ?  Is  this 
the  way  to  keep  a  cloak  on  our  movements  ?  or 
dost  suppose  that  the  queen  will  knight  me,  for 
being  known  as  thy  correspondent  ?  " 

"  Lanterns  and  false  beacons  ! "  returned  the 
other,  mimicking  the  voice  of  the  discontented 
burgher,  and  pointing  to  the  lights  that  still  stood 
where  last  described.  "  Can  the  port  be  en- 
tered without  respecting  the  land -marks  and 
signals  ? »       -    •  - 

"  This  comes  of  moonlight  and  sentiment ! 
When  the  girl  should  have  been  asleep,  she  is  up 
gazing  at  the  stars,  and  disconcerting  a  burgher's 
speculations. — But  fear  thee  not,  Master  Seadrift ; 
my  niece  has  discretion,  and,  if  we  have  no  better 
pledge  for  her  silence,  there  is  that  of  necessity  ; 
since  there  is  no  one  here  for  a  confidant,  but  her 
old  Norman  valet,  and  the  Patroon  of  Kinderhook, 
both  of  whom  are  dreaming  of  other  matter  than 
a  little  gainful  traffic." 

"  Fear  thee  not,  alderman,"  returned  the 
other,  still  maintaining  his  air  of  mockery.  "  We 
have  the  pledge  of  character,  if  no  other ;  since 
the  uncle  cannot  part  with  reputation,  without 
the  niece  sharing  in  the  loss." 
■  "  What  sin  is  there  in  pushing  commerce  a 
step  beyond  the  limits  of  the  law  ?  These  Eng- 
lish are  a  nation  of  monopolists ;  and  they  make 
no  scruple  of  tying  us  of  the  colonies  hand  and 
foot,  heart  and  soul,  with  their  acts  of  Parliament, 
saying  '  With  us  shalt  thou  trade,  or  not  at  all.' 
By  the  character  of  the  best  burgomaster  of  Am- 
sterdam, and  they  came  by  the  province,  too,  in 


DEALING  IN  CONTRABAND. 


43 


.no  such  honesty  that  we  should  lie  down  and 
obey ! " 

"  Wherein  there  is  much  comfort  to  a  dealer 
in  the  contraband.  Justly  reasoned,  my  worthy 
alderman.  Thy  logic  will  at  any  time  make  a 
smooth  pillow,  especially  if  the  adventure  be  not  , 
without  its  profit.  And  now,  having  so  commend- 
ably  disposed  of  the  moral  of  our  bargain,  let  us 
approach  its  legitimate,  if  not  its  lawful,  conclu- 
sion. There,"  he  added,  drawing  a  small  bag 
from  an  inner  pocket  of  his  frock,  and  tossing  it 
carelessly  on  a  table  ;  "  there  is  thy  gold.  Eighty 
broad  Johannes  is  no  bad  return  for  a  few  pack- 
ages of  furs ;  and  even  avarice  itself  will  own 
that  six  months  is  no  long  investment  for  the 
usury." 

"  That  boat  of  thine,  most  lively  Seadrift,  is  a 
marine  humming-bird  !  "  returned  Myndert,  with 
a  joyful  tremor  of  the  voice,  that  betrayed  his 
deep  and  entire  satisfaction.  "Didst  say  just 
eighty  ?  But  spare  thyself  the  trouble  of  looking 
for  the  memorandum ;  I  will  tell  the  gold  myself, 
to  save  thee  the  trouble.  Truly  the  adventure 
hath  not  been  bad  !  a  few  kegs  of  Jamaica,  with 
a  little  powder  and  lead,  and  a  blanket  or  two, 
with  now  and  then  a  penny  bawble  for  a  chief, 
are  knowingly,  ay  !  and  speedily  transmuted  into 
the  yellow  metal,  by  thy  good  aid. — This  affair 
was  managed  on  the  French  coast  ?  " 

"  More  northward,  where  the  frost  helped  the 
bargain.  Thy  beavers  and  martens,  honest  burgh- 
er, will  be  flaunting  in  the  presence  of  the  emper- 
or at  the  next  holidays.  What  is  there  in  the 
face  of  the  Braganza  that  thou  studiest  it  so 
hard  ?  " 

"  The  piece  seems  none  of  the  heaviest — but, 
luckily,  I  have  scales  at  hand — " 

"  Hold  !  "  said  the  stranger,  laying  his  hand, 
which,  according  to  a  fashion  of  that  day,  was 
clad  in  a  delicate  and  scented  glove,  lightly  on  the 
arm  of  the  other ;  "  no  scales  between  us,  sir ! 
That  was  taken  in  return  for  thy  adventure ;  heavy 
or  light,  it  must  go  down.  We  deal  in  confi- 
dence, and  this  hesitation  offends  me.  Another 
such  doubt  of  my  integrity,  and  our  connection 
is  at  an  end." 

"  A  calamity  I  should  deplore,  quite  or  nearly 
as  much  as  thyself,"  returned  Myndert,  affecting 
to  laugh  ;  though  he  slipped  the  suspected  doub- 
loon into  the  bag  again,  in  a  manner  that  at  once 
removed  the  object  of  contention  from  view.  "  A 
little  particularity  in  the  balance  part  of  com- 
merce serves  us  to  maintain  friendships,  But  a 
trifle  shall  not  cause  us  to  waste  the  precious 
time. — Hast  brought  goods  suited  to  the  colo- 
nies ?  " 


"  In  plenty." 

"And  ingeniously  assorted?  Colonists  and 
monopoly  ! — But  there  is  twofold  satisfaction  in 
this  clandestine  traffic  ;  I  never  get  the  notice  of 
thy  arrival,  Master  Seadrift,  but  the  heart  within 
me  leapeth  of  gladness.  There  is  a  double  pleas- 
ure in  circumventing  the  legislation  of  your  Lon- 
don wiseacres." 

"  The  chiefest  of  which  is—  ?  " 

"  A  goodly  return  for  the  investment,  truly — 
I  desire  not  to  deny  the  agency  of  natural  causes ; 
but,  trust  me,  there  is  a  sort  of  professional  glory 
in  thus  defeating  the  selfishness  of  our  rulers. v 
What !  are  we  born  of  woman,  to  be  used  as  the 
instruments  of  their  prosperity  ?  Give  us  equal 
legislation,  a  right  to  decide  on  the  policy  of  en-  > 
actments,  and  then,  like  a  loyal  and  obedient  sub- 
ject—" 

"Thou  would st  still  deal  in  the  contra- 
band S " 

"Well,  well,  multiplying  idle  words  is  not 
multiplying  gold.  The  list  of  the  articles  intro- 
duced can  be  forthcoming  ?  " 

"  It  is  here,  and  ready  to  be  examined.  But 
there  is  a  fancy  come  over  me,  Alderman  Van 
Beverout,  which,  like  others  of  my  caprices,  thou 
knowest  must  have  its  way.  There  should  be  a 
witness  to  our  bargain." 

"  Judges  and  juries  !  Thou  forgettest,  man, 
that  a  clumsy  galliot  could  sail  through  the  tight- 
est clause  of  these  extra-legal  compacts.  The 
courts  receive  the  evidence  of  this  sort  of  traffic, 
as  the  grave  receives  the  dead — to  swallow  all  and 
be  forgotten." 

"I  care  not  for  the  courts,  and  little  desire  do 
I  feel  to  enter  them.  But  the  presence  of  la  belle 
Barberie  may  serve  to  prevent  any  misconcep- 
tions that  might  bring  our  connection  to  a  pre- 
mature close.    Let  her  be  summoned." 

"  The  girl  is  altogether  ignorant  of  traffic,  and 
it  might  unsettle  her  opinions  of  her  uncle's  sta- 
bility. If  a  man  does  not  maintain  credit  within 
his  own  doors,  how  can  he  expect  it  in  the 
streets  ?  " 

"  Many  have  credit  on  the  highway,  who  re- 
ceive none  at  home. .  But  thou  knowest  my  hu- 
mor; no  niece — no  traffic." 

"Alida  is  a  dutiful  and  affectionate  child,  and 
I  would  not  willingly  disturb  her  slumbers.  Here 
is  the  Patroon  of  Kinderhook,  a  man  who  loves 
English  legislation  as  little  as  myself — he  will 
be  less  reluctant  to  see  an  honest  shilling  turned 
into  gold.  I  will  awake  him  :  no  man  was  ever 
yet  offended  at  an  offer  to  share  in  a  profitable 
adventure." 

"  Let  him  sleep  on.    I  deal  not  with  your  lords 


44 


THE  WATER- WITCH. 


of  manors  and  mortgages.  Bring  forth  the  lady, 
for  there  will  be  matter  fit  for  her  delicacy." 

"  Duty  and  the  ten  commandments  !  You 
never  had  the  charge  of  a  child,  Master  Sea- 
drift,  and  cannot  know  the  weight  of  responsibil- 
ity-" 

"  No  niece — no  traffic !  "  interrupted  the  wil- 
ful dealer  in  contraband,  returning  his  invoice  to 
his  pocket,  and  preparing  to  rise  from  the  table, 
where  he  had  already  seated  himself.  "  The  lady 
knows  of  my  presence  ;  and  it  were  safer  for  us 
both  that  she  entered  more  deeply  into  our  confi- 
dence." 

"  Thou  art  as  despotic  as  the  English  Naviga- 
tion-law !  I  hear  the  foot  of  the  child  still  pacing 
her  chamber,  and  she  shall  come.  But  there 
need  be  no  explanations,  to  recall  old  intercourse. 
The  affair  can  pass  as  a  bit  of  accidental  specula- 
tion— a  by-play,  in  the  traffic  of  life." 

"As  thou  pleasest.  I  shall  deal  less  in  words 
than  in  business.  Keep  thine  own  secrets,  burgh- 
er, and  they  are  safe.  Still,  I  would  have  the 
lady,  for  there  is  a  presentiment  that  our  connec- 
tion is  in  danger." 

"  I  like  not  that  word  presentiment,"  grum- 
bled the  alderman,  taking  a  light,  and  snuffing  it 
with  deliberate  care ;  "  drop  but  a  single  letter, 
and  one  dreams  of  the  pains  and  penalties  of  the 
Exchequer. — Remember  thou  art  a  trafficker,  who 
conceals  his  appearance  on  account  of  the  clever- 
ness of  his  speculations." 

"  That  is  my  calling  to  the  letter.  Were  all 
others  as  clever,  the  trade  would  certainly  cease. 
— Go,  bring  the  lady." 

The  alderman,  who  probably  saw  the  necessity 
of  making  some  explanation  to  his  niece,  and 
who,  it  would  seem,  fully  understood  the  positive 
character  of  his  companion,  no  longer  hesitated  ; 
but,  first  casting  a  suspicious  glance  out  of  the 
still  open  window,  he  left  the  room. 


CHAPTER  X. 

"  Alack,  what  heinous  sin  is  it  in  me, 
To  he  ashamed  to  he  my  father's  child ! 
But  though  I  am  a  daughter  to  his  blood, 
I  am  not  to  his  manners." 

Merchant  of  Venice. 

The  moment  the  stranger  was  again  alone, 
the  entire  expression  of  his  countenance  under- 
went a  change.  The  reckless  and  bold  expres- 
sion deserted  his  eye,  which  once  more  became 
soft,  if  not  pensive,  as  it  wandered  over  the  dif- 
ferent elegant  objects  that  served  to  amuse  the 


leisure  of  la  belle  Barberie.  He  arose  and 
touched  the  strings  of  a  lute,  and  then,  like 
Fear,  started  back,  as  if  recoiling  at  the  sound 
he  had  made.  All  recollection  of  the  object  of 
his  visit  was  evidently  forgotten  in  a  new  and 
livelier  interest ;  and,  had  there  been  one  to 
watch  his  movements,  the  last  motive  imputed  to 
his  presence  would  probably  have  been  the  one 
that  was  true.  There  was  so  little  of  that  vul- 
gar and  common  character  which  is  usually  seen  . 
in  men  of  his  pursuit,  in  the  gentle  aspect  and 
subdued  air  of  his  fine  features,  that  it  might 
be  fancied  he  was  thus  singularly  endowed  by 
Nature,  in  order  that  deception  might  triumph. 
If  there  were  moments  when  a  disregard  of  opin- 
ion was  seen  in  his  demeanor,  it  rather  appeared 
assumed  than  easy;  and  even  when  most  dis- 
posed to  display  lawless  indifference  to  the  ordi- 
nary regulations  of  society,  in  his  interview  with 
the  alderman,  it  had  been  blended  with  a  reserve 
of  manner  that  was  strangely  in  contrast  with 
his  humor. 

On  the  other  hand,  it  were  idle  to  say  that 
Alida  de  Barberie  had  no  unpleasant  suspicions 
concerning  the  character  of  her  uncle's  guest. 
That  baneful  influence  which  necessarily  exerts 
itself  near  an  irresponsible  power,  coupled  with 
the  natural  indifference  with  which  the  principal 
regards  the  dependant,  had  caused  the  English 
ministry  to  fill  too  many  of  their  posts  of  honor 
and  profit,  in  their  colonies,  with  needy  and  dis- 
solute men  of  rank,  or  of  high  political  connec- 
tions at  home.  The  province  of  New  York  had, 
in  this  respect,  been  particularly  unfortunate. 
The  gift  of  it  by  Charles  to  his  brother  and  suc- 
cessor, had  left  it  without  the  protection  of  those 
charters  and  other  privileges  that  had  been  grant- 
ed to  most  of  the  governments  of  America.  The 
connection  with  the  crown  was  direct,  and  for  a 
long  period  the  majority  of  the  inhabitants  were 
considered  as  of  a  different  race,  and  of  course 
as  of  one  less  to  be  considered  than  that  of  their 
conquerors.  Such  was  the  laxity  of  the  times 
on  the  subject  of  injustice  to  the  people  of  this 
hemisphere,  that  the  predatory  expeditions  of 
Drake  and  others  against  the  wealthy  occupants 
of  the  more  southern  countries  seem  to  have 
left  no  spots  on  their  escutcheons  ;  and  the  hon- 
ors and  favors  of  Queen  Elizabeth  had  been  lib- 
erally extended  to  men  who  would  now  be  deemed 
freebooters.  In  short,  that  system  of  violence  and 
specious  morality  which  commenced  with  the  gifts 
of  Ferdinand  and  Isabella,  and  the  bulls  of  the 
popes,  was  continued  with  more  or  less  of  modi- 
fication, until  the  descendants  of  those  single- 
minded  and  virtuous  men  who  peopled  the  Union, 


THE  ALDERMAN'S  INSPECTION. 


45 


took  the  powers  of  government  into  their  own 
hands,  and  proclaimed  political  ethics  that  were 
previously  as  little  practised  as  understood. 

Alida  knew  that  both  the  Earl  of  Bellamont 
/and  the  unprincipled  nobleman  who  has  been 
J  introduced  in  the  earlier  pages  of  this  tale, 
had  not  escaped  the  imputation  of  conniving  at 
acts  on  the  sea  far  more  flagrant  than  any  of  an 
unlawful  trade  ;  and  it  will  therefore  create  little 
surprise  that  she  saw  reason  to  distrust  the  le- 
gality of  some  of  her  uncle's  speculations,  with 
less  pain  than  might  be  felt  by  one  of  her  sex 
and  opinions  at  the  present  hour.  Her  sus- 
picions, however,  fell  far  short  of  the  truth ;  for 
it  were  scarce  possible  to  have  presented  a  mari- 
ner who  bore  about  him  fewer  of  those  signs  of 
his  rude  calling  than  he  whom  she  had  so  unex- 
pectedly met. 

Perhaps,  too,  the  powerful  charm  that  existed 
•  in  the  voice  and  countenance  of  one  so  singularly 
^  gifted  by  Nature,  had  its  influence  in  persuading 
Alida  to  reappear.  At  all  events,  she  was  soon 
seen  to  enter  the  room  with  an  air  that  manifest- 
ed more  of  curiosity  and  wonder  than  of  dis- 
pleasure. 

"  My  niece  has  heard  that  thou  comest  from 
the  old  countries,  Master  Seadrift,"  said  the  wary 
alderman,  who  preceded  Alida,  "  and  the  woman 
1  is  uppermost  in  her  heart.  Thou  wilt  never  be 
forgiven  should  the  eye  of  any  maiden  in  Man- 
hattan get  sight  of  thy  finery  before  she  has 
passed  judgment  on  its  merit." 

"  I  cannot  wish  a  more  impartial  or  a  fairer 
judge,"  returned  the  other,  doffing  his  cap  in  the 
gallant  and  careless  manner  of  his  trade.  "  Here 
are  silks  from  the  looms  of  Tuscany,  and  Lyon- 
nois  brocades,  that  any  Lombard  or  dame  of 
France  might  envy.  Ribbons  of  every  hue  and 
dye,  and  laces  that  seem  to  copy  the  fretwork  of 
the  richest  cathedral  of  your  Fleming  !  " 

"  Thou  hast  journeyed  much  in  thy  time, 
Master  Seadrift,  and  speakest  of  countries  and 
usages  with  understanding,"  said  the  alderman. 
"But  how  stand  the  prices  of  these  precious 
goods  ?  Thou  knowest  the  long  war,  and  moral 
certainty  of  its  continuance ;  this  German  suc- 
cession to  the  throne,  and  the  late  earthquakes 
in  the  country,  too,  have  much  unsettled  prices, 
and  cause  us  thoughtful  burghers  to  be  wary  in 
our  traffic.  Didst  inquire  the  cost  of  geldings 
when  last  in  Holland  ?  " 

"  The  animals  go  a-begging  !  As  to  the  value 
of  my  goods,  that,  you  know,  is  fixed  ;  for  I  ad- 
mit of  no  parley  between  friends." 

"  Thy  obstinacy  is  unreasonable,  Master  Sea- 
drift.   A  wise  merchant  will  always  look  to  the 


state  of  the  market,  and  one  so  practised  should 
know  that  a  nimble  sixpence  multiplies  faster 
than  a  slow-moving  shilling.  'Tis  the  constant 
rolling  of  the  ball  that  causes  the  snow  to  cleave ! 
Goods  that  come  light  should  not  go  heavy,  and 
quick  settlements  follow  sudden  bargains.  Thou 
knowest  our  York  saying,  that  '  first  offers  are 
the  best.' " 

"  He  that  likes  may  purchase,  and  he  that 
prefers  his  gold  to  fine  laces,  rich  silks,  and  stiff 
brocades,  has  only  to  sleep  with  his  money-bags 
under  his  pillow.  There  are  others  who  wait  with 
impatience  to  see  the  articles;  and  I  have  not 
crossed  the  Atlantic  with  a  freight  that  scarcely 
ballasts  the  brigantine,  to  throw  away  the  valu- 
ables on  the  lowest  bidder." 

"  Nay,  uncle,"  said  Alida,  in  a  little  trepida- 
tion, "  we  cannot  judge  of  the  quality  of  Master 
Seadrift's  articles  by  report.  I  dare  to  say  he  has 
not  landed  without  a  sample  of  his  wares  ?  " 

"  Custom  and  friendships  !  "  muttered  Myn- 
dert ;  "  of  what  use  is  an  established  correspond- 
ence if  it  is  to  be  broken  on  account  of  a  little 
cheapening  ?  But  produce  thy  stores,  Mr.  Dog- 
matism ;  I  warrant  me  the  fashions  are  of  some 
rejected  use,  or  that  the  color  of  the  goods  be 
impaired  by  the  usual  negligence  of  thy  careless 
mariners.  We  will  at  least  pay  thee  the  compli- 
ment to  look  at  the  effects." 

"  'Tis  as  you  please,"  returned  the  other. 
"  The  bales  are  in  the  usual  place  at  the  wharf, 
under  the  inspection  of  honest  Master  Tiller — but 
if  so  inferior  in  quality  they  will  scarce  repay  the 
trouble  of  the  walk." 

"I'll  go,  I'll  go,"  said  the  alderman,  adjusting 
his  wig  and  removing  his  spectacles ;  "  'twould 
not  be  treating  an  old  correspondent  well,  to  re- 
fuse to  look  at  his  samples — thou  wilt  follow, 
Master  Seadrift,  and  so  I  will  pay  thee  the  compli- 
ment to  examine  the  effects — though  the  long  war, 
the  glut  of  furs,  the  over-abundance  of  the  last 
year's  harvests,  and  the  perfect  quiet  in  the  min- 
ing districts,  have  thrown  all  commerce  fiat  on  its 
back.  I'll  go,  however,  lest  thou  shouldst  say 
thy  interests  were  neglected.  Thy  Master  Tiller 
is  an  indiscreet  agent ;  he  gave  me  a  fright  to-day 
that  exceeds  any  alarm  I  have  felt  since  the  fail- 
ure of  Yan  Halt,  Balance,  and  Diddle." 

The  voice  of  Myndert  became  inaudible,  for, 
in  his  haste  not  to  neglect  the  interests  of  his 
guest,  the  tenacious  trader  had  already  quitted 
the  room,  and  half  of  his  parting  speech  was  ut- 
tered in  the  antechamber  of  the  pavilion. 

"  'Twould  scarce  comport  with  the  propriety 
of  my  sex,  to  mingle  with  the  seamen,  and  the 
others  who  doubtless  surround  the  bales,"  said 


46 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


Alida,  in  whose  face  there  was  a  marked  expres- 
sion of  hesitation  and  curiosity. 

"  It  will  not  be  necessary,"  returned  her  com- 
panion. "  I  have,  at  hand,  specimens  of  all  that 
you  would  see.  But  why  this  haste  ?  We  are 
yet  in  the  early  hours  of  the  night,  and  the  alder- 
man  will  be  occupied  long,  ere  he  comes  to  the 
determination  to  pay  the  prices  my  people  are 
sure  to  ask.  I  am  lately  from  off  the  sea,  beauti- 
ful Alida,  and  thou  canst  not  know  the  pleasure 
I  find  in  breathing  even  the  atmosphere  of  a  wom- 
an's presence." 

La  belle  Barberie  retired  a  step  or  two,  she 
knew  not  why ;  and  her  hand  was  placed  upon 
the  cord  of  the  bell,  before  she  was  aware  of  the 
manner  in  which  she  betrayed  her  alarm. 

"  To  me  it  does  not  seem  that  I  am  a  creature 
so  terrific  that  thou  need'st  dread  my  presence," 
continued  the  gay  mariner,  with  a  smile  that  ex- 
pressed as  much  of  secret  irony,  as  of  that  pen- 
sive character  which  had  again  taken  possession 
of  his  countenance  ;  "  but  ring,  and  bring  your 
attendants  to  relieve  fears  that  are  natural  to  thy 
sex,  and  therefore  seducing  to  mine.  Shall  I  pull 
the  cord  ? — for  this  pretty  hand  trembles  too  much 
to  do  its  office.1' 

"  I  know  not  that  any  would  answer,  for  it  is 
past  the  hour  of  attendance ;  it  is  better  that  I  go 
to  the  examination  of  the  bales." 

The  strange  and  singularly  -  attired  being, 
who  occasioned  so  much  uneasiness  to  Alida,  re- 
garded her  a  moment  with  a  kind  and  melancholy 
solicitude. 

"  Thus  they  are  all,  till  altered  by  too  much 
intercourse  with  a  cold  and  corrupt  world  ! "  he 
rather  whispered,  than  uttered  aloud.  "  Would 
that  thus  they  might  all  continue  !  Thou  art  a 
singular  compound  of  thy  sex's  weakness  and  of 
manly  resolution,  belle  Barberie;  but  trust  me," 
and  he  laid  his  hand  on  his  heart  with  an  ear- 
nestness that  spoke  well  for  his  sincerity,  "  ere 
word,  or  act,  to  harm  or  to  offend  thee,  should 
proceed  from  any  who  obey  will  of  mine,  Nature 
itself  must  undergo  a  change.  Start  not,  for  I 
call  one  to  show  the  specimen  you  would  see." 

He  then  applied  a  little  silver  whistle  to  his 
lips,  and  drew  a  low  signal  from  the  instrument, 
motioning  to  Alida  to  await  the  result  without 
alarm.  In  half  a  minute,  there  was  a  rustling 
among  the  leaves  of  the  shrubbery,  a  moment 
of  attentive  pause,  and  then  a  dark  object  en- 
tered the  window,  and  rolled  heavily  to  the  cen- 
tre of  the  floor. 

"  Here  are  our  commodities,  and  trust  me  the 
price  shall  not  be  dwelt  on  between  us,"  re- 
sumed Master  Seadrift,  undoing  the  fastenings 


of  the  little  bale,  that  had  entered  the  saloon 
seemingly  without  the  aid  of  hands.  "These 
goods  are  so  many  gages  of  neutrality  between 
us ;  so  approach  and  examine  without  fear. 
You  will  find  some  among  them  to  reward  the 
hazard." 

;  The  bale  was  now  open,  and,  as  its  master  ap- 
peared to  be  singularly  expert  in  suiting  a  female 
fancy,  it  became  impossible  for  Alida  to  resist 
any  longer.  She  gradually  lost  her  reserve,  as 
the  examination  proceeded  ;  and  before  the  own- 
er of  the  treasures  had  got  into  the  third  of  his 
packages,  the  hands  of  the  heiress  were  as  ac- 
tively employed  as  his  own,  in  gaining  access  to 
their  view. 

"  This  is  a  stuff  of  the  Lombard  territories," 
said  the  vender  of  the  goods,  pleased  with  the 
confidence  he  had  succeeded  in  establishing  be- 
tween his  beautiful  customer  and  himself.  "  Thou 
eest,  it  is  rich,  flowery,  and  variegated  as  the 
land  it  came  from.  One  might  fancy  the  vines 
and  vegetation  of  that  deep  soil  were  shooting 
from  this  labor  of  the  loom — nay,  the  piece  is 
sufficient  for  any  toilet,  however  ample ;  see,  it 
is  endless  as  the  plains  that  reared  the  little  ani- 
mal who  supplies  the  texture.  I  have  parted  of 
that  fabric  to  many  dames  of  England,  who  have 
not  disdained  to  traffic  with  one  that  risks  much 
in  their  behalf." 

"  I  fear  there  are  many  who  find  a  pleasure 
in  these  stuffs,  chiefly  because  their  use  is  for- 
bidden." 

"  'Twould  not  be  out  of  nature  !  Look ;  this 
box  contains  ornaments  of  the  elephant's  tooth, 
cut  by  a  cunning  artificer  in  the  far  Eastern 
lands  ;  they  do  not  disfigure  a  lady's  dressing- 
table,  and  have  a  moral,  for  they  remind  her  of 
countries  where  the  sex  is  less  happy  than  at 
home.  Ah !  here  is  a  treasure  of  Mechlin, 
wrought  in  a  fashion  of  my  own  design." 

"  'Tis  beautifully  fancied,  and  might  do  credit 
to  one  who  professed  the  painter's  art." 

"  My  youth  was  much  employed  in  these  con- 
ceits," returned  the  trader,  unfolding  the  rich 
and  delicate  lace,  in  a  manner  to  show  that  he 
had  still  pleasure  in  contemplating  its  texture 
and  quality.  "  There  was  a  compact  between 
me  and  the  maker,  that  enough  should  be  fur- 
nished to  reach  from  the  high  church-tower  of 
his  town  to  the  pavement  beneath  ;  and  yet,  you 
see  how  little  remains !  The  London  dames 
found  it  to  their  taste,  and  it  was  not  easy  to 
bring  even  this  trifle  into  the  colonies." 

"You  chose  a  remarkable  measure  for  an 
article  that  was  to  visit  so  many  different  coun- 
tries, without  the  formalities  of  law." 


ALIDA  AND  THE  SMUGGLER. 


47 


"  We  thought  to  start  in  favor  of  the  Church, 
which  rarely  frowns  on  those  who  respect  its 
privileges.  Under  the  sanction  of  such  authority, 
I  will  lay  aside  all  that  remains,  certain  it  will 
be  needed  for  thy  use." 

"  So  rare  a  manufacture  should  be  costly  ?  " 

La  belle  Barberie  spoke  hesitatingly,  and,  as 
she  raised  her  eyes,  they  met  the  dark  organs  of 
her  companion,  fixed  on  her  face,  in  a  manner 
that  seemed  to  express  a  consciousness  of  the 
ascendency  he  was  gaining.  Startled,  at  sbe 
knew  not  what,  the  maiden  again  added,  hastily : 

"  This  may  be  fitter  for  a  court  lady  than  a 
girl  of  the  colonies." 

"None  who  have  yet  worn  of  it  so  well  be- 
come it ;  I  lay  it  here,"  as  a  make-weight  in  my 
bargain  with  the  alderman. — This  is  satin  of  Tus- 
cany ;  a  country  where  Nature  exhibits  its  ex- 
tremes, and  one  whose  merchants  were  princes. 
Your  Florentine  was  subtle  in  his  fabrics,  and 
happy  in  his  conceits  of  forms  and  colors,  for 
which  he  stood  indebted  to  the  riches  of  his 
own  climate/  Observe — the  hue  of  this  glossy 
surface  is  scarcely  so  delicate  as  I  have  seen  the 
rosy  light,  at  even,  playing  on  the  sides  of  his 
Apennines !  " 

"You  have  then  visited  the  regions  in  whose 
fabrics  you  deal  ?  "  said  Alida,  suffering  the  arti- 
cles to  fall  from  her  hand,  in  the  stronger  inter- 
est she  began  to  feel,  in  their  owner. 

"  'Tis  my  habit.  Here  have  we  a  chain  from 
the  city  of  the  isles.  The  hand  of  a  Venetian 
could  alone  form  these  delicate  and  nearly  insen- 
sible links.  I  refused  a  string  of  spotless  pearls 
for  that  same  golden  web." 

"  It  was  indiscreet,  in  one  who  trades  at  so 
much  hazard." 

"  I  kept  the  bawble  for  my  pleasure  ! — Whim 
is  sometimes  stronger  than  the  thirst  of  gain^nd 
this  chain  does  not  quit  me  till  I  bestowUtjDnjtiie 
lady  of  my  love." 

"  One  so  actively  employed  can  scarcely  spare 
time  to  seek  a  fitting  object  for  the  gift." 

"  Is  merit  and  loveliness  in  the  sex  so  rare? 
La  belle  Barberie  speaks  in  the  security  of  many 
conquests,  or  she  would  not  deal  thus  lightly  in  a 
matter  that  is  so  serious  with  most  females." 

"  Among  other  countries  your  vessel  hath  vis- 
ited a  land  of  witchcraft,  or  you  would  not  pretend 
to  a  knowledge  of  things,  that,  in  their  very  na- 
ture, must  be  hidden  from  a  stranger. — Of  what 
value  may  be  those  beautiful  feathers  of  the  os- 
trich ?  " 

"They  came  of  swarthy  Africa,  though  so 
spotless  themselves.  The  bunch  was  had,  by 
secret  traffic,  from  a  Moorish  man,  in  exchange 


for  a  few  skins  of  Lachryma  Christi,  that  he 
swallowed  with  his  eyes  shut.  I  dealt  with  the 
fellow  only  in  pity  for  his  thirst,  and  do  not  pride 
myself  on  the  value  of  the  commodity.  It  shall 
go,  too,  to  quicken  love  between  me  and  thy 
uncle." 

Alida  could  not  object  to  this  liberality,  though 
she  was  not  without  a  secret  opinion  that  the 
gifts  were  no  more  than  delicate  and  well-con- 
cealed offerings  to  herself.  The  effect  of  this 
suspicion  was  twofold :  it  caused  the  maiden  to 
become  more  reserved  in  the  expression  of  her 
tastes,  though  it  in  no  degree  lessened  her  confi- 
dence in,  and  admiration  of,  the  wayward  and  re- 
markable trader. 

"  My  uncle  will  have  cause  to  commend  thy 
generous  spirit,"  said  the  heiress,  bending  her 
head  a  little  coldly,  at  this  repeated  declaration 
of  her  companion's  intentions,  "though  it  would 
seem  that,  in  trade,  justice  is  as  much  to  be  de- 
sired as  generosity— this  seemeth  a  curious  design, 
wrought  with  the  needle  ! " 

"  It  is  the  labor  of  many  a  day,  fashioned  by 
the  hand  of  a  recluse.  I  bought  it  of  a  nun,  in 
France,  who  passed  years  in  toil  upon  the  con- 
ceit, which  is  of  more  value  than  the  material. 
The  meek  daughter  of  solitude  wept  when  she 
parted  with  the  fabric,  for,  in  her  eyes,  it  had  the 
tie  of  association  and  habit.  A  companion  might 
be  lost  to  one  who  lives  in  the  confusion  of  the 
world,  and  it  should  not  cause  more  real  sorrow 
than  parting  from  the  product  of  her  needle  gave 
that  mild  resident  of  the  cloisters  ! " 

"And  is  it  permitted  for  your  sex  to  visit 
those  places  of  religious  retirement  ? "  asked 
Alida.  "  I  come  of  a  race  that  pays  little  defer- 
ence to  monastic  life,  for  we  are  refugees  from  the 
severity  of  Louis ;  but  yet  I  never  heard  my  father 
charge  these  females  with  being  so  regardless  of 
their  vows." 

"  The  fact  was  so  repeated  to  me ;  for,  surely, 
my  sex  are  not  admitted  to  traffic,  directly,  with 
the  modest  sisters  "  (a  smile,  that  Alida  was  half 
disposed  to  think  bold,  played  about  the  hand- 
some mouth  of  the  speaker);  "but  it  was  so  re- 
ported. What  is  your  opinion  of  the  merit  of 
woman,  in  thus  seeking  refuge  from  the  cares, 
and  haply  from  the  sins,  of  the  world,  in  institu- 
tions of  this  order  ?  " 

"  Truly  the  question  exceedethmy  knowledge. 
This  is  not  a  country  to  immure  females,  and  the 
custom  causes  us  of  America  little  thought." 

"  The  usage  hath  its  abuses,"  continued  the 
dealer  in  contraband,  speaking  thoughtfully ; 
"  but  it  is  not  without  its  good.  There  are  many 
of  the  weak  and  vain,  that  would  be  happier  in 


4:8 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


the  cloisters,  than  if  left  to  the  seductions  and 
follies  of  life.  Ah  !  here  is  work  of  English  hands. 
I  scarcely  know  how  the  articles  found  their  way 
into  the  company  of  the  products  of  the  foreign 
looms.  My  bales  contain,  in  general,  little  that  is 
vulgarly  sanctioned  by  the  law.  Speak  me  frank- 
ly, belle  Alida,  and  say  if  you  share  in  the  preju- 
dices against  the  character  of  us  free-traders?  " 

"  I  pretend  not  to  judge  of  regulations  that 
exceed  the  knowledge  and  practices  of  my  sex," 
returned  the  maiden,  with  commendable  reserve^ 
"  There  are  some  who  think  the  abuse  of  power 
a  justification  of  its  resistance,  while  others  deem  . 
a  breach  of  law  to  be  a  breach  of  morals." 

"  The  latter  is  the  doctrine  of  your  man  of  in- 
vested moneys  and  established  fortune  !  He  has 
intrenched  his  gains  behind  acknowledged  bar- 
riers, and  he  preaches  their  sanctity,  because 
they  favor  his  selfishness.  We  skimmers  of  the 
sea—" 

Alida  started  so  suddenly  as  to  cause  her 
companion  to  cease  speaking. 

"  Are  my  words  frightful,  that  you  pale  at 
their  sound  ?  " 

"  I  hope  they  are  used  rather  in  accident  than 
with  their  dreaded  meaning.  I  would  not  have  it 
said — no  !  'tis  but  a  chance  that  springs  from 
some  resemblance  in  your  callings.  One  like  you 
can  never  be  the  man  whose  name  has  grown  in- 
to a  proverb  ! " 

"One  like  me,  beautiful  Alida,  is  much  as 
Fortune  wills.  Of  what  man,  or  of  what  name 
wouldst  speak  ?  " 

"  'Tis  nothing,"  returned  la  belle  Barberie, 
gazing  unconsciously  at  the  polished  and  graceful 
features  of  the  stranger,  longer  than  was  wont  in 
maiden.  "  Proceed  with  your  explanation  — 
these  are  rich  velvets  ! " 

"  They  come  of  Venice,  too ;  but  commerce  is 
like  the  favor  which  attends  the  rich,  and  the 
queen  of  the  Adriatic  is  already  far  on  the 
decline.  That  which  causes  the  increase  of  the 
husbandman  occasions  the  downfall  of  a  city. 
The  lagunes  are  filling  with  fat  soil,  and  the  keel 
of  the  trader  is  less  frequent  there  than  of  old. 
Ages  hence,  the  plough  may  trace  furrows  where 
the  Bucentaur  has  floated!  The  outer  India 
passage  has  changed  the  current  of  prosperity, 
which  ever  rushes  in  the  widest  and  newest 
track.  Nations  might  learn  a  moral,  by  studying 
the  sleepy  canals  and  instructive  magnificence  of 
that  fallen  town ;  but  pride  fattens  on  its  own 
lazy  recollections,  to  the  last ! — As  I  was  saying, 
we  rovers  deal  little  in  musty  maxims,  that  are 
made  by  the  great  and  prosperous  at  home,  and 
are  trumpeted  abroad,  in  order  that  the  weak  and 


unhappy  should  be  the  more  closely  riveted  in 
their  fetters." 

"  Methinks  you  push  the  principle  further 
than  is  necessary,  for  one  whose  greatest  offence 
against  established  usage  is  a  little  hazardous 
commerce.  These  are  opinions  that  might  unset- 
tle the  world." 

"  Rather  settle  it,  by  referring  all  to  the  rule 
of  right.  When  governments  shall  lay  their 
foundations  in  natural  justice,  when  their  object 
shall  be  to  remove  the  temptations  to  err,  instead 
of  creating  them,  and  when  bodies  of  men  shall 
feel  and  acknowledge  the  responsibilities  of  indi- 
viduals—  why,  then  the  Water- Witch  herself 
might  become  a  revenue-cutter,  and  her  owner  an 
officer  of  the  customs." 

The  velvet  fell  from  the  hands  of  la  belle  Bar- 
berie, and  she  arose  from  her  seat  with  precipita- 
tion. 

"Speak  plainly,"  said  Alida,  with  all  her 
natural  firmness.  "  With  whom  am  I  about  to 
traffic  ?  " 

"An  outcast  of  society — a  man  condemned 
in  the  opinions  of  the  world — the  outlaw — the 
flagrant  wanderer  of  the  ocean — the  lawless  Skim- 
mer of  the  Seas  !  "  cried  a  voice  at  the  open  win- 
dow. 

In  another  minute  Ludlow  was  in  the  room. 
Alida  uttered  a  shriek,  veiled  her  face  in  her 
robe,  and  rushed  from  the  apartment. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

"Truth,  will  come  to  light ; 
Murder  cannot  be  hid  long,  a  man's  son  may ; 
But  in  the  end,  truth  will  out" 

Latjncelot. 

The  officer  of  the  queen  had  leaped  into  the 
pavilion  with  the  flushed  features  and  all  the  hur- 
ry of  an  excited  man.  The  exclamations  and  re- 
treat of  la  belle  Barberie,  for  a  single  moment, 
diverted  his  attention  ;  then  he  turned,  suddenly, 
not  to  say  fiercely,  toward  her  companion.  It  is 
not  necessary  to  repeat  the  description  of  the 
stranger's  person,  in  order  to  render  the  change 
which  instantly  occurred  in  the  countenance  of 
Ludlow  intelligible  to  the  reader.  His  eye,  at 
first,  refused  to  believe  there  was  no  other  pres- 
ent ;  and  when  it  had,  again  and  again,  searched 
the  whole  apartment,  it  returned  to  the  face  and 
form  of  the  dealer  in  contraband,  with  an  expres- 
sion of  incredulity  and  wonder. 

»  Here  is  some  mistake !  "  exclaimed  the  com- 
mander of  the  Coquette,  after  time  had  been  giv- 
en for  a  thorough  examination  of  the  room. 


THE  SMUGGLER  AND  CAPTAIN  LUDLOW. 


49 


"  Your  gentle  manner  of  entrance,"  returned 
the  stranger,  across  whose  face  there  had  passed 
a  glow  that  might  have  come  equally  of  anger  or 
surprise,  "has  driven  the  lady  from  the  room. 
But,  as  you  wear  the  livery  of  the  queen,  I  pre- 
sume you  have  authority  for  invading  the  dwell- 
ing of  the  subject  ?  " 

"  I  had  believed — nay,  there  was  reason  to 
be  certain,  that  one  whom  all  of  proper  loyalty  exe- 
crate, was  to  be  found  here,"  stammered  the  still 
confused  Ludlow.  "  There  can  scarce  be  a  de- 
ception, for  I  plainly  heard  the  discourse  of  my 
captors,  and  yet  here  is  none  !  " 

"  I  thank  you  for  the  high  consideration  you 
bestow  on  my  presence." 

The  manner,  rather  than  the  words,  of  the 
speaker,  induced  Ludlow  to  rivet  another  look  on 
his  countenance.  There  was  a  mixed  expression 
of  doubt,  admiration,  and  possibly  of  uneasiness, 
if  not  of  actual  jealousy,  in  the  eye,  which  slowly 
read  all  his  lineaments,  though  the  former  seemed 
the  stronger  sensation  of  the  three. 

"  We  have  never  met  before  ! "  cried  Ludlow, 
when  the  organ  began  to  grow  dim  with  the 
length  and  steadiness  of  its  gaze. 

"  The  ocean  has  many  paths,  and  men  may 
journey  on  them  long  without  crossing  each 
other." 

"  Thou  hast  served  the  queen,  though  I  see 
thee  in  this  doubtful  situation  ?  " 

"  Never.  I  am  not  one  to  bind  myself  to  the 
servitude  of  any  woman  that  lives,"  returned  the 
free-trader,  while  a  mild  smile  played  about  his 
lip,  "  though  she  wore  a  thousand  diadems ;  Anne 
never  had  an  hour  of  my  time  nor  a  single  wish 
of  my  heart." 

"  This  is  bold  language,  sir,  for  the  ear  of  her 
officer.  The  arrival  of  an  unknown  brigantine, 
certain  incidents  which  have  occurred  to  myself 
this  night,  your  presence  here,  that  bale  of  articles 
forbidden  by  the  law,  create  suspicions  that  must 
be  satisfied.    Who  are  you  ?  " 

"  The  flagrant  wanderer  of  the  ocean — the 
outcast  of  society — the  condemned  in  the  opin- 
ions of  the  world — the  lawless  Skimmer  of  the 
Seas!" 

"  This  cannot  be !  The  tongues  of  men  speak 
of  the  personal  deformity  of  that  wanderer,  no 
less  than  of  his  bold  disregard  of  the  law.  You 
would  deceive  me." 

J"  If,  then,  men  err  so  much  in  that  which  is 
visible  and  unimportant,"  returned  the  other, 
proudly,  "  is  there  not  reason  to  doubt  their 
accuracy  in  matters  of  more  weight  ?  I  am 
surely  what  I  seem,  if  I  am  not  what  I  say." 

"I  will  not  credit  so  improbable  a  tale. 
4 


Give  me  some  proof  that  what  I  hear  is 
true." 

"  Look  at  that  brigantine,  whose  delicate  spars 
are  almost  confounded  with  the  background  of 
trees,"  said  the  other,  approaching  the  window, 
and  directing  the  attention  of  his  companion  to 
the  cove,  f  'Tis  the  bark  that  has  so  often  foiled 
the  efforts  of  all  thy  cruisers,  and  which  trans- 
ports me  and  my  wealth  whither  I  will,  without 
the  fetters  of  arbitrary  laws,  and  the  meddling  in- 
quiries of  venal  hirelings.  The  scud,  which  floats 
above  the  sea,  is  not  freer  than  that  vessel,  and 
scarcely  more  swift.  Well  is  she  named  the 
Water-Witch !  for  her  performances  on  the  wide 
ocean  have  been  such  as  seem  to  exceed  all  nat- 
ural means.  The  froth  of  the  sea  does  not  dance 
more  lightly  above  the  waves  than  yonder  grace- 
ful fabric,  when  driven  by  the  breeze.  She  is  a 
thing  to  be  loved,  Ludlow ;  trust  me,  I  never  yet 
set  affections  on  woman  with  the  warmth  I  feel 
for  the  faithful  and  beautiful  machine ! " 

"  This  is  little  more  than  any  mariner  could 
say,  in  praise  of  a  vessel  that  he  admired." 

"  Will  you  say  it,  sir,  in  favor  of  yon  lumber- 
ing sloop  of  Queen  Anne  ?  Your  Coquette  is  none 
of  the  fairest,  and  there  was  more  of  pretension 
than  of  truth  at  her  christening." 

"By  the  title  of  my  royal  mistress,  young 
beardless,  but  there  is  an  insolence  in  this  lan- 
guage that  might  become  him  you  wish  to  repre- 
sent !  My  ship,  heavy  or  light  of  foot  as  she  may 
be,  is  fated  to  bring  yonder  false  trader  to  the 
judgment." 

"  By  the  craft  and  qualities  of  the  Water- 
Witch  !  but  this  is  language  that  might  become 
one  who  was  at  liberty  to  act  his  pleasure,"  re- 
turned the  stranger,  tauntingly  imitating  the  tone 
in  which  his  angry  companion  had  spoken.  "  You 
would  have  proof  of  my  identity :  listen.  There 
is  one  who  vaunts  his  power,  that  forgets  he  is  a 
dupe  of  my  agent ;  and  that  even  while  his  words 
are  so  full  of  boldness,  he  is  a  captive ! " 

The  brown  cheek  of  Ludlow  reddened,  and  he 
turned  toward  the  lighter  and  far  less  vigorous 
frame  of  his  companion  as  if  about  to  strike  him 
to  the  earth,  when  a  door  opened,  and  Alida  ap- 
peared in  the  saloon. 

The  meeting  between  the  commander  of  the 
Coquette  and  his  mistress  was  not  without  em- 
barrassment. The  anger  of  the  former  and  the 
confusion  of  the  latter  for  a  moment  kept  both 
silent ;  but,  as  la  belle  Barberie  had  not  returned 
without  an  object,  she  was  quick  to  speak. 

"  I  know  not  whether  to  approve  or  to  condemn 
the  boldness  that  has  prompted  Captain  Ludlow 
to  enter  my  pavilion,  at  this  unseasonable  hour, 


50 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


and  in  so  unceremonious  a  manner,"  she  said, 
"  for  I  am  still  ignorant  of  his  motive.  When  he 
shall  please  to  let  me  hear  it,  I  may  judge  better 
of  the  merit  of  the  excuse." 

"  True,  we  will  hear  his  explanation,  before 
condemnation,"  added  the  stranger,  offering  a 
seat  to  Alida,  which  she  coldly  declined.  "  Be- 
yond a  doubt  the  gentleman  has  a  motive." 

If  looks  could  have  destroyed,  the  speaker 
would  have  been  annihilated.  But,  as  the  lady 
seemed  indifferent  to  the  last  remark,  Ludlow 
prepared  to  enter  on  his  vindication. 

"  I  shall  not  attempt  to  conceal  that  an  arti- 
fice has  been  practised,"  he  said,  "  which  is  ac- 
companied by  consequences  that  I  find  awkward. 
The  air  and  manner  of  the  seaman  whose  bold 
conduct  you  witnessed  in  the  boat,  induced  me 
to  confide  in  him  more  than  was  prudent,  and  I 
have  been  rewarded  by  deception." 

"  In  other  words,  Captain  Ludlow  is  not  as 
sagacious  as  he  had  reason  to  believe,"  said  an 
ironical  voice  at  his  elbow. 

"  In  what  manner  am  I  to  blame,  or  why  is 
my  privacy  to  be  interrupted,  because  a  wander- 
ing seaman  has  deceived  the  commander  of  the 
Coquette  ?  "  rejoined  Alida.  "  Not  only  that  au- 
dacious mariner,  but  this  —  this  person,"  she 
added,  adopting  a  word  that  use  has  appropriated 
to  the  multitude,  "  is  a  stranger  to  me.  There 
is  no  other  connection  between  us  than  that  you 
see." 

"  It  is  not  necessary  to  say  why  I  landed," 
continued  Ludlow  ;  "  but  I  was  weak  enough  to 
allow  that  unknown  mariner  to  quit  my  ship  in 
my  company  ;  and,  when  I  would  return,  he  found 
means  to  disarm  my  men,  and  make  me  a  pris- 
oner." 

"  And  yet  art  thou,  for  a  captive,  tolerably 
free !  "  added  the  ironical  voice. 

"  Of  what  service  is  this  freedom,  without  the 
means  of  using  it  ?  The  sea  separates  me  from 
my  ship,  and  my  faithful  boat's  crew  are  in  fetters. 
I  have  been  little  watched  myself;  but  though 
forbidden  to  approach  certain  points,  enough  has 
been  seen  to  leave  no  doubts  of  the  character 
of  those  whom  Alderman  Van  Beverout  enter- 
tains." 

"  Thou  wouldst  also  say,  and  his  niece,  Lud- 
low." 

"  I  would  say  nothing  harsh  to,  or  disrespect- 
ful of,  Alida  de  Barberie.  I  will  not  deny  that  a 
harrowing  idea  possessed  me  ;  but  I  see  my  error, 
and  repent  having  been  so  hasty." 

"  We  may  then  resume  our  commerce,"  said 
the  trader,  coolly  seating  himself  before  the  open 
bale,  while  Ludlow  and  the  maiden  stood  regard- 


ing each  other  in  mute  surprise.  "  It  is  pleasant 
to  exhibit  these  forbidden  treasures  to  an  officer 
of  the  queen.  It  may  prove  the  means  of  gain- 
ing the  royal  patronage.  We  were  last  among 
the  velvets,  and  on  the  lagunes,  of  Venice.  Here 
is  one  of  a  color  and  quality  to  form  a  bridal  dress 
for  the  doge  himself,  in  his  nuptials  with  the  sea. 
We  men  of  the  ocean  look  upon  that  ceremony  as 
a  pledge  Hymen  will  not  forget  us,  though  we 
may  wander  from  his  altars.  Do  I  justice  to  the 
faith  of  the  craft,  Captain  Ludlow  ? — or  are  you 
a  sworn  devotee  of  Neptune,  and  content  to 
breathe  your  sighs  to  Venus,  when  afloat  ?  Well, 
if  the  damps  and  salt  air  of  the  ocean  rust  the 
golden  chain,  it  is  the  fault  of  cruel  Nature ! — Ah ! 
here  is — " 

A  shrill  whistle  sounded  among  the  shrubbery, 
and  the  speaker  became  mute.  Throwing  his 
cloths  carelessly  on  the  bale,  he  arose  again,  and 
seemed  to  hesitate.  Throughout  the  interview 
with  Ludlow,  the  air  of  the  free-trader  had  been 
mild,  though  at  times  it  was  playful ;  and  not  for 
an  instant  had  he  seemed  to  return  the  resent- 
ment which  the  other  had  so  plainly  manifested. 
It  now  became  perplexed,  and,  by  the  workings 
of  his  features,  it  would  seem  that  he  vacillated  in 
his  opinions.  The  sounds  of  the  whistle  were 
heard  again. 

"  Ay,  ay,  Master  Tom  ! "  muttered  the  dealer 
in  contraband.  "  Thy  note  is  audible,  but  why 
this  haste  ? — Beautiful  Alida,  this  shrill  summons 
is  to  say,  that  the  moment  of  parting  is  ar- 
rived ! " 

"  We  met  with  less  of  preparation,"  returned 
la  belle  Barberie,  who  preserved  all  the  distant 
reserve  of  her  sex,  under  the  jealous  eyes  of  her 
admirer. 

"We  met  without  a  warning,  but  shall  our 
separation  be  without  a  memorial  ?  Am  I  to  re- 
turn with  all  these  valuables  to  the  brigantine,  or 
in  their  place  must  I  take  the  customary  golden 
tribute  ?  " 

"  I  know  not  that  I  dare  make  a  traffic  which 
is  not  sanctioned  by  the  law  in  presence  of  a  ser- 
vant of  the  queen,"  returned  Alida,  smiling.  "  I 
will  not  deny  that  you  have  much  to  excite  a 
woman's  envy  ;  but  our  royal  mistress  might  for- 
get her  sex,  and  show  little  pity,  were  she  to  hear 
of  my  weakness." 

"  No  fear  of  that,  lady.  'Tis  they  who  are 
most  stern  in  creating  these  harsh  regulations 
that  show  most  frailty  in  their  breach.  By 
the  virtues  of  honest  Leadenhall  itself,  but  I 
should  like  to  tempt  the  royal  Anne  in  her  closet 
with  such  a  display  of  goodly  laces  and  heavy  bro- 
cades." 


CAPTAIN  LUDLOW  A  PRISONER. 


51 


"  That  might  be  more  hazardous  than  wise !  " 

"I  know  not.  Though  seated  on  a  throne, 
she  is  but  woman.  Disguise  Nature  as  thou  wilt, 
she  is  a  universal  tyrant,  and  governs  all  alike. 
The  head  that  wears  a  crown  dreams  of  the  con- 
quests of  the  sex,  rather  than  of  the  conquests  of 
states ;  the  hand  that  wields  the  sceptre  is  fitted 
to  display  its  prettiness  with  the  pencil  or  the  nee- 
dle ;  and,  though  words  and  ideas  may  be  taught 
and  sounded  forth  with  the  pomp  of  royalty,  the 
tone  is  still  that  of  woman." 

"  Without  bringing  into  question  the  merits 
of  our  present  royal  mistress,"  said  Alida,  who 
was  a  little  apt  to  assert  her  sex's  rights,  "  there 
is  the  example  of  the  glorious  Elizabeth,  to  refute 
his  charge." 

"  Ay,  we  have  had  our  Cleopatras  in  the  sea- 
fight,  and  fear  was  found  stronger  than  love! 
The  sea  has  monsters,  and  so  may  have  the  land.^ 
He  that  made  the  earth  gave  it  laws  that  'tis  not 
good  to  break.  We  men  are  jealous  of  our  quali- 
ties, and  little  like  to  see  them  usurped;  and 
trust  me,  lady,  she  that  forgets  the  means  that 
Nature  bestows,  may  mourn  in  sorrow  over  the 
fatal  error.  But  shall  we  deal  in  velvet,  or  is  your 
taste  more  leaning  to  brocade  ?  " 

Alida  and  Ludlow  listened  in  admiration  to 
the  capricious  and  fanciful  language  of  the  unac- 
countable trader,  and  both  were  equally  at  a  loss 
to  estimate  his  character.  The  equivocal  air  was 
in  general  well  maintained,  though  the  command- 
er of  the  Coquette  had  detected  an  earnestness 
and  feeling  in  his  manner,  when  he  more  particu- 
larly addressed  la  belle  Barberie,  that  excited  an 
uneasiness  he  was  ashamed  to  admit,  even  to  him- 
self. That  the  maiden  herself  observed  this 
change,  might  also  be  inferred  from  a  richer  glow 
which  diffused  itself  over  her  features,  though  it  is 
scarce  probable  that  she  was  conscious  of  its  ef- 
fects. When  questioned  as  to  her  determination 
concerning  his  goods,  she  again  regarded  Ludlow 
doubtingly,  ere  she  answered. 

"  That  you  have  not  studied  woman  in  vain," 
she  laughingly  replied,  "  I  must  fain  acknowledge. 
And  yet  ere  I  make  decision,  suffer  me  to  con- 
sult those  who,  being  more  accustomed  to  deal 
with  the  laws,  are  better  judges  of  the  propriety 
of  the  purchases." 

"  If  this  request  were  not  reasonable  in  itself, 
it  were  due  to  your  beauty  and  station,  lady,  to 
grant  it.  I  leave  the  bale  in  your  care  ;  and,  before 
to-morrow's  sun  has  set,  one  will  await  the  an- 
swer.— Captain  Ludlow,  are  we  to  part  in  friend- 
ship, or  does  your  duty  to  the  queen  proscribe 
the  word  ?  " 

"  If  what  you  seem,"  said  Ludlow,  "  you  are  a 


being  inexplicable  !  If  this  be  some  masquerade, 
as  I  half  suspect,  'tis  well  maintained  at  least, 
though  not  worthily  assumed." 

"  You  are  not  the  first  who  has  refused  credit 
to  his  senses  in  a  manner  wherein  the  Water- 
Witch  and  her  commander  have  been  concerned. 
— Peace,  honest  Tom ;  thy  whistle  will  not  hasten 
Father  Time ! — Friend  or  not,  Captain  Ludlow 
need  not  be  told  he  is  my  prisoner." 

"  That  I  have  fallen  into  the  power  of  a  mis- 
creant— " 

"  Hist ! — if  thou  hast  love  for  bodily  ease  and 
whole  bones.  Master  Thomas  Tiller  is  a  man  of 
rude  humor,  and  he  as  little  likes  contumely  as 
another.  Besides,  the  honest  mariner  did  but 
obey  my  orders,  and  his  character  is  protected  by  a 
superior  responsibility." 

/  "  Thy  orders  !  "  repeated  Ludlow,  with  an  ex- 
^/pression  of  eye  and  lip  that  might  have  offended 
one  more  disposed  to  take  offence  than  him  he 
addressed.  "  The  fellow  who  so  well  succeeded 
in  his  artifice  is  one  much  more  likely  to  com- 
mand than  to  obey.  If  any  here  be  the  Skimmer 
of  the  Seas,  it  is  he." 

"  We  are  no  more  than  the  driving  spray 
which  goes  whither  the  winds  list.  But  in  what 
hath  the  man  offended  that  he  finds  so  little  favor 
with  the  queen's  captain  ?  He  has  not  had  the 
boldness  to  propose  a  secret  traffic  with  so  loyal 
a  gentleman." 

"  'Tis  well,  sir  ;  you  choose  a  happy  occasion 
for  this  pleasantry.  I  landed  to  manifest  the  re- 
spect that  I  feel  for  this  lady,  and  I  care  not  if 
the  world  knows  the  object  of  the  visit.  'Twas 
no  silly  artifice  that  led  me  hither." 

"Spoken  with  the  frankness  of  a  seaman!" 
said  the  inexplicable  dealer  in  contraband,  though 
his  color  lessened  and  his  voice  appeared  to  hesi- 
tate. "I  admire  this  loyalty  in  man  to  woman ; 
for,  as  custom  has  so  strongly  fettered  them  in 
the  expression  of  their  inclinations,  it  is  due  from 
us  to  leave  as  little  doubt  as  possible  of  our 
intentions.  It  is  difficult  to  think  that  la  belle  Bar- 
berie can  do  wiser  than  to  reward  so  much  manly 
admiration." 

The  stranger  cast  a  glance,  which  Alida  fan- 
cied betrayed  solicitude,  as  he  spoke,  at  the  maid- 
en, and  he  appeared  to  expect  she  would  reply. 

"  When  the  time  shall  come  for  a  decision," 
returned  the  half-pleased  and  yet  half-offended 
subject  of  his  allusion,  "  it  may  be  necessary  to 
call  upon  very  different  counsellors  for  advice.  I 
hear  the  step  of  my  uncle. — Captain  Ludlow,  I 
leave  it  to  your  discretion  to  meet  him  or  not." 

The  heavy  footstep  was  approaching  through 
the  outer  rooms  of  the  pavilion.    Ludlow  hesi- 


52 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


tated ;  cast  a  reproachful  look  at  his  mistress ; 
then  he  instantly  quitted  the  apartment  by  the 
place  through  which  he  had  entered.  A  noise  in 
the  shrubbery  sufficiently  proved  that  his  return 
was  expected,  and  that  he  wa3  closely  watched. 

"  Noah's  Ark,  and  our  grandmothers  !  "  ex- 
claimed Myndert,  appearing  at  the  door  with  a 
face  red  with  his  exertions.  "  You  have  brought 
us  the  cast-off  finery  of  our  ancestors,  Master  Sea- 
drift.  Here  are  stuffs  of  an  age  that  is  past,  and 
they  should  be  bartered  for  gold  that  hath  been 
spent." 

"What  now!  what  now!"  responded  the 
free-trader,  whose  tone  and  manner  seemed  to 
change  at  will,  in  order  to  suit  the  humor  of  whom- 
soever he  was  brought  to  speak  with.  "  What 
now,  pertinacious  burgher,  that  thou  shouldst 
cry  down  wares  that  are  but  too  good  for  these 
distant  regions !  Many  is  the  English  duchess 
who  pines  to  possess  but  the  tithe  of  these  beau- 
tiful stuffs  I  offer  thy  niece  ;  and,  faith,  rare  is  the 
English  duchess  that  would  become  them  half  so 
well ! " 

"The  girl  is  seemly,  and  thy  velvets  and  bro- 
cades are  passable,  but  the  heavy  articles  are  not 
fit  to  offer  to  a  Mohawk  sachem.  There  must  be 
a  reduction  of  prices,  or  the  invoice  cannot  pass." 

"  The  greater  the  pity.  But  if  sail  we  must, 
sail  we  will !  The  brigantine  knows  the  channel 
over  the  Nantucket  sands ;  and,  my  life  on  it !  the 
Yankees  will  find  others  than  the  Mohawks  for 
chapmen." 

"  Thou  art  as  quick  in  thy  notions,  Master 
Seadrift,  as  the  boat  itself.  Who  said  that  a  com- 
promise might  not  be  made  when  discussion  was 
prudently  and  fairly  exhausted  ?  Strike  off  the 
odd  florins,  leave  the  balance  in  round  thousands, 
and  thy  trade  is  done  for  the  season  !" 

"Not  a  stiver.  Here,  count  me  back  the 
faces  of  the  Braganza;  throw  enough  of  thin 
ducats  into  the  scales  to  make  up  the  sum,  and 
let  thy  slaves  push  inland  with  the  articles,  be- 
fore the  morning  light  comes  to  tell  the  story. 
Here  has  been  one  among  us  who  may  do  mis- 
chief, if  he  will ;  though  I  know  not  how  far  he 
is  master  of  the  main  secret." 

Alderman  Van  Beverout  stared  a  little  wildly 
about  him,  adjusted  his  wig,  like  one  fully  con- 
scious of  the  value  of  appearances  in  this  world, 
and  then  cautiously  drew  the  curtains  before  the 
windows. 

"  I  know  of  none  more  than  common,  my  niece 
excepted,"  he  said,  when  all  these  precautions 
had  been  observed.  "  'Tis  true,  the  Patroon  of 
Kinderhook  is  in  the  house;  but,  as  the  man 
sleeps,  he  is  a  witness  in  our  favor.    We  have 


the  testimony  of  his  presence,  while  his  tongue  is 
silent." 

"  Well,  be  it  so,"  rejoined  the  free-trader,  read- 
ing, in  the  imploring  eyes  of  Alida,  a  petition  that 
he  would  say  no  more.  "  I  knew  by  instinct  there 
was  one  unusual,  and  it  was  not  for  me  to  dis- 
cover that  he  sleeps.  There  are  dealers  on  the 
coast,  who,  for  the  sake  of  insurance,  would 
charge  his  presence  in  their  bills." 

"  Say  no  more,  worthy  Master  Seadrift,  and 
take  the  gold.  To  confess  the  truth,  the  goods 
are  in  the  periagua  and  fairly  out  of  the  river.  I 
knew  we  should  come  to  conclusions  in  the  mat- 
ter, and  time  is  precious,  as  there  is  a  cruiser  of 
the  queen  so  nigh.  The  rogues  will  pass  the 
pennant,  like  innocent  market-people,  and  I'll 
risk  a  Flemish  gelding  against  a  Virginia  nag, 
that  they  inquire  if  the  captain  has  no  need  of 
vegetables  for  his  soup!  Ah-ha-ha-ha!  That 
Ludlow  is  a  simpleton,  niece  of  mine,  and  he  is 
not  yet  fit  to  deal  with  men  of  mature  years. 
You'll  think  better  of  his  qualities,  one  day,  and 
bid  him  be  gone  like  an  unwelcome  dun." 

"  I  hope  these  proceedings  may  be  legally 
sanctioned,  uncle  ?  " 

"Sanctioned!  Luck  sanctions  all.  It  is  in 
trade  as  in  war ;  success  gives  character  and  booty 
in  both.  Your  rich  dealer  is  sure  to  be  your  hon- 
est dealer.  Plantations  and  orders  in  Council ! 
What  are  our  rulers  doing  at  home,  that  they 
need  be  so  vociferous  about  a  little  contraband  ? 
The  rogues  will  declaim  by  the  hour  concerning 
bribery  and  corruption,  while  more  than  half  of 
them  get  their  seats  as  clandestinely — ay,  and  as 
illegally,  as  you  get  these  rare  Mechlin  laces. — 
Should  the  queen  take  offence  at  our  dealings, 
Master  Seadrift,  bring  me  another  season  or  two 
as  profitable  as  the  last,  and  I'll  be  your  passen- 
ger to  London,  go  on  'change,  buy  a  seat  in  Parlia- 
ment, and  answer  to  the  royal  displeasure  from 
my  place,  as  they  call  it.  By  the  responsibility 
of  the  States-General !  but  I  should  expect,  in 
such  a  case,  to  return  Sir  Myndert,  and  then 
the  Manhattanese  might  hear  of  a  Lady  Van 
Beverout,  in  which  case,  pretty  Alida,  thy  assets 
would  be  sadly  diminished ! — so  go  to  thy  bed, 
child,  and  dream  of  fine  laces,  and  rich  velvets, 
and  duty  to  old  uncles,  and  discretion,  and  all 
manner  of  agreeable  things — kiss  me,  jade,  and 
to  thy  pillow." 

Alida  obeyed,  and  was  preparing  to  quit  the 
room,  when  the  free-trader  presented  himself  be- 
fore her  with  an  air  at  once  so  gallant  and  re- 
spectful, that  she  could  scarce  take  offence  at 
the  freedom. 

"  I  should  fail  in  gratitude,"  he  said,  "were  I 


THE  ALDERMAN'S  FEAES. 


53 


to  part  from  so  generous  a  customer  without 
thanks  for  her  liberality.  The  hope  of  meeting 
again  will  hasten  my  return." 

"  I  know  not  that  you  are  my  debtor  for  these 
thanks,"  returned  Alida,  though  she  saw  that  the 
alderman  was  carefully  collecting  the  contents 
of  the  bale,  and  that  he  had  already  placed  three 
or  four  of  the  most  tempting  of  its  articles  on 
her  dressing-table.  "  We  cannot  be  said  to  have 
bargained." 

"  I  have  parted  with  more  than  is  visible  to 
vulgar  eyes,"  returned  the  stranger,  dropping  his 
voice,  and  speaking  with  an  earnestness  that 
caused  his  auditor  to  start.  "Whether  there 
will  be  a  return  for  the  gift,  or  perhaps  I  had  bet- 
ter call  it  loss,  time  and  my  stars  must  show  ! " 

He  then  took  her  hand,  and  raised  it  to  his 
lips,  by  an  action  so  graceful  and  so  gentle,  as^j 
not  to  alarm  the  maiden  until  the  freedom  was 
done.  La  belle  Barberie  reddened  to  her  fore- 
head, seemed  disposed  to  condemn  the  liberty, 
frowned,  smiled,  and,  courtesying  in  confusion, 
withdrew. 

Several  minutes  passed  in  profound  silence, 
after  Alida  had  disappeared.  The  stranger  was 
thoughtful,  though  his  bright  eye  kindled,  as  if 
merry  thoughts  were  uppermost ;  and  he  paced 
the  room,  entirely  heedless  of  the  existence  of 
the  alderman.  The  latter,  however,  soon  took 
occasion  to  remind  his  companion  of  his  pres- 
ence. 

*'  No  fear  of  the  girl's  prating,"  exclaimed 
the  alderman,  when  his  task  was  ended.  "  She 
is  an  excellent  and  dutiful  niece  ;  and  here,  you 
see,  is  a  balance  on  her  side  of  the  account,  that 
would  shut  the  mouth  of  the  wife  of  the  first 
lord  of  the  treasury.  I  disliked  the  manner  in 
which  you  would  have  the  child  introduced  ;  for, 
look  you,  I  do  not  think  that  either  Monsieur 
Barberie,  or  my  late  sister,  would  altogether  ap- 
prove of  her  entering  into  traffic  so  very  young ; 
— but  what  is  done,  is  done ;  and  the  Norman 
himself  could  not  deny  that  I  have  made  a  fair 
set-off,  of  very  excellent  commodities,  for  his 
daughter's  benefit. — When  dost  mean  to  sail, 
Master  Seadrift  ?  " 

"With  the  morning  tide.  I  little  like  the 
neighborhood  of  these  meddling  guardacostas." 

"  Bravely  answered  !  Prudence  is  a  cardinal 
quality  in  a  private  trader  ;  and  it  is  a  quality  that 
I  esteem  in  Master  Skimmer,  next  to  his  punctu- 
ality. Dates  and  obligations  !  I  wish  half  of  the 
firms,  of  three  and  four  names,  without  counting 
the  Co.'s,  were  as  much  to  be  depended  on.  Dost 
not  think  it  safer  to  repass  the  inlet  under  favor 
of  the  darkness  ?  " 


"  'Tis  impossible.  The  flood  is  entering  it  like 
water  rushing  through  a  race-way,  and  we  have 
the  wind  at  east.  But,  fear  not ;  the  brigantine 
carries  no  vulgar  freight,  and  your  commerce  has 
given  us  a  swept  hold.  The  queen  and  the  Bra- 
ganza,  with  Holland  ducats,  might  show  their 
faces  even  in  the  Royal  Exchequer  itself!  We 
have  no  want  of  passes,  and  the  Miller's-Maid  is 
just  as  good  a  name  to  hail  by  as  the  Water- 
Witch.  We  begin  to  tire  of  this  constant  run- 
ning, and  have  half  a  mind  to  taste  the  pleasures 
of  your  Jersey  sports  for  a  week.  There  should 
be  shooting  on  the  upper  plains  ?  " 

"  Heaven  forbid  !  Heaven  forbid  !  Master 
Seadrift.  I  had  all  the  deer  taken  for  the  skins, 
ten  years  ago  ;  and  as  to  birds,  they  deserted  us 
to  a  pigeon,  when  the  last  tribe  of  the  savages 
went  west  of  the  Delaware.  Thou  hast  dis- 
charged thy  brigantine  to  better  effect  than  thou 
couldst  ever  discharge  thy  fowling-pieces.  I 
hope  the  hospitality  of  the  Lust  in  Rust  is  no 
problem — but,  blushes  and  curiosity !  I  could 
wish  to  keep  a  fair  countenance  among  my 
neighbors.  Art  sure  the  impertinent  masts  of 
the  brigantine  will  not  be  seen  above  the  trees, 
when  the  day  comes  ?  This  Captain  Ludlow  is 
no  laggard  when  he  thinks  his  duty  actually  con- 
cerned." 

"  We  shall  endeavor  to  keep  him  quiet.  The 
cover  of  the  trees  and  the  berth  of  the  boat  make 
all  snug,  as  respects  his  people.  I  leave  worthy 
Tiller  to  settle  balances  between  us;  and  so,  I 
take  my  leave.  Master  Alderman — a  word  at 
parting.  Does  the  Viscount  Cornbury  still  tarry 
in  the  provinces  ?  " 

"Like  a  fixture.  There  is  not  a •  mercantile 
house  in  the  colony  more  firmly  established." 

"  There  are  unsettled  affairs  between  us — a 
small  premium  would  buy  the  obligations — " 

"Heaven  keep  thee,  Master  Seadrift,  and 
pleasant  voyages  back  and  forth !  As  for  the 
viscount's  responsibility — the  queen  may  trust 
him  with  another  province,  but  Myndert  Van 
Beverout  would  not  give  him  credit  for  the  tail 
of  a  marten;  and  so,  again,  Heaven  preserve 
thee ! " 

The  dealer  in  contraband  appeared  to  tear 
himself  from  the  sight  of  all  the  little  elegances 
that  adorned  the  apartment  of  la  belle  Barberie, 
with  reluctance.  His  adieus  to  the  alderman 
were  rather  cavalier,  for  he  still  maintained  a  cold 
and  abstracted  air ;  but  as  the  other  scarcely  ob- 
served the  forms  of  decorum,  in  his  evident  de- 
sire to  get  rid  of  his  guest,  the  latter  was  finally 
obliged  to  depart.  He  disappeared  by  the  low 
balcony,  where  he  had  entered. 


54 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


When  Myndert  Van  Beverout  was  alone,  he 
shut  the  windows  of  the  pavilion  of  his  niece, 
and  retired  to  his  own  part  of  the  dwelling. 
Here  the  thrifty  burgher  first  busied  himself  in 
making  sundry  calculations,  with  a  zeal  that 
proved  how  much  his  mind  was  engrossed  by  the 
occupation.  After  this  preliminary  step,  he  gave 
a  short  but  secret  conference  to  the  mariner  of 
the  India  shawl,  during  which  there  was  much 
clinking  of  gold-pieces.  But  when  the  latter  re- 
tired, the  master  of  the  villa  first  looked  to  the 
trifling  securities  which  were  then,  as  now,  ob- 
served in  the  fastenings  of  an  American  country- 
house  ;  when  he  walked  forth  upon  the  lawn,  like 
one  who  felt  the  necessity  of  breathing  the  open 
air.  He  cast  more  than  one  inquiring  glance  at 
the  windows  of  the  room  which  was  occupied  by 
OlofF  Van  Staats,  where  all  was  happily  silent ; 
at  the  equally  immovable  brigantine  in  the  cove ; 
and  at  the  more  distant  and  still  motionless  hull 
of  the  cruiser  of  the  crown.  All  around  him  was 
in  the  quiet  of  midnight.  Even  the  boats,  which 
he  knew  to  be  plying  between  the  land  and  the  lit- 
tle vessel  at  anchor,  were  invisible ;  and  he  reen- 
tered hi3  habitation,  with  the  security  one  would 
be  apt  to  feel,  under  similar  circumstances,  in  a 
region  so  little  tenanted,  and  so  little  watched, 
as  that  in  which  he  lived. 


/  CHAPTER  XII. 

"  Come  on,  Nerissa ;  I  have  work  in  hand, 
That  you,  yet,  know  not  of." 

Merchant  of  Venice. 

Notwithstanding  the  active  movements  which 
had  taken  place  in  and  around  the  buildings  of 
the  Lust  in  Rust,  during  the  night  which  ended 
with  our  last  chapter,  none  but  the  initiated  were 
in  the  smallest  degree  aware  of  their  existence, 
OlofF  Van  Staats  was  early  afoot ;  and  when  he 
appeared  on  the  lawn,  to  scent  the  morning  air, 
there  was  nothing  visible  to  give  rise  to  a  suspi- 
cion that  aught  extraordinary  had  occurred  during 
his  slumbers.  La  Cour  des  Fees  was  still  closed, 
but  the  person  of  the  faithful  Francois  was  seen, 
near  the  abode  of  his  young  mistress,  busied  in 
some  of  those  pretty  little  offices  that  can  easily 
be  imagined  would  be  agreeable  to  a  maiden  of 
her  years  and  station.  Van  Staats  of  Kinder- 
hook  had  as  little  of  romance  in  his  composition 
as  could  well  be  in  a  youth  of  five-and-twenty 
who  was  commonly  thought  to  be  enamoured,  and 
who  was  not  altogether  ignorant  of  the  conven- 
tional sympathies  of  the  passion.    The  man  was 


mortal,  and  as  the  personal  attractions  of  la  belle 
Barberie  were  sufficiently  obvious,  he  had  not 
entirely  escaped  the  fate,  which  seems  nearly  in- 
separable from  young  fancy,  when  excited  by 
beauty.  He  drew  nigh  to  the  pavilion,  and,  by  a 
guarded  but  decisive  manoeuvre,  he  managed  to 
come  so  close  to  the  valet  as  to  render  a  verbal 
communication  not  only  natural,  but  nearly  un- 
avoidable. 

"  A  fair  morn  and  a  healthful  air,  Monsieur 
Francois,"  commenced  the  young  patroon,  ac- 
knowledging the  low  salute  of  the  domestic,  by 
gravely  lifting  his  own  beaver.  "  This  is  a  com- 
fortable abode  for  the  warm  months,  and  one  it 
might  be  well  to  visit  oftener." 

"  When  Monsieur  le  Patteron  shall  be  de  lor' 
of  ce  manor,  aussi,  he  shall  come  when  he  shall 
have  la  volonte,"  returned  Francois,  who  knew 
that  a  pleasantry  of  his  ought  not  to  be  con- 
strued into  an  engagement  on  the  part  of  her  he 
served,  while  it  could  not  fail  to  be  agreeable  to 
him  who  heard  it.  "  Monsieur  de  Van  Staats 
est  grand  proprietaire  sur  la  riviere,  and  one  day, 
peut-etre,  he  shall  be  proprietaire  sur  la  mer  ! " 

"  I  have  thought  of  imitating  the  example  of 
the  alderman,  honest  Francis,  and  of  building  a 
villa  on  the  coast :  but  there  will  be  time  for  that 
when  I  shall  find  myself  more  established  in  life ! 
Your  young  mistress  is  not  yet  moving,  Fran- 
cis?'' 

"  Ma  foi,  non — Mam'selle  Alide  sleep ! — 'ti3 
good  symptome,  Monsieur  Patteron,  pour  les 
jeunes  personnes,  to  tres-bien  sleep.  Monsieur, 
et  toute  la  famille  de  Barberie  sleep  a  merveille ! 
Oui,  c'est  toujours  une  famille  remarquable  pour 
le  sommeil ! " 

"  Yet  one  would  wish  to  breath  this  fresh  and 
invigorating  air,  which  comes  from  off  the  sea, 
like  a  balm  in  the  early  hours  of  the  day." 

"  Sans  doute,  monsieur.  C'est  un  miracle, 
how  mam'selle  love  de  air !  Personne  do  not 
love  air  more,  as  Mam'selle  Alide.  Bah  ! — it  was 
grand  plaisir  to  see  how  Monsieur  de  Barberie 
love  de  air ! " 

"  Perhaps,  Mr.  Francis,  your  young  lady  is 
ignorant  of  the  hour.  It  might  be  well  to  knock 
at  the  door,  or  perhaps  at  the  window.  I  confess 
I  should  much  admire  to  see  her  bright  face 
smiling  from  that  window  on  this  soft  morning 
scene." 

It  is  not  probable  that  the  imagination  of  the 
Patroon  of  Kinderhook  ever  before  took  so  high 
a  flight ;  and  there  was  reason  to  suspect,  by  the 
wavering  and  alarmed  glance  that  he  cast  around 
him  after  so  unequivocal  an  expression  of  weak- 
ness, that  he  already  repented  his  temerity. 


TIIE  BURGHER'S  GUEST. 


55 


Francois,  who  would  not  willingly  disoblige  a  man 
that  was  known  to  possess  a  hundred  thousand 
acres  of  land,  with  manorial  rights,  besides  per- 
sonals of  no  mean  amount,  felt  embarrassed  by 
the  request ;  but  was  enabled  to  recollect  in  time 
that  the  heiress  was  known  to  possess  a  decision 
of  character  that  might  choose  to  control  her  own 
pleasures. 

"  Well,  I  shall  be  too  happy  to  knock  ;  mais, 
monsieur,  sais  dat  sleep  est  si  agreable  pour  les 
jeunes  personnes !  On  n'a  jamais  knock,  dans 
la  famille  de  Monsieur  de  Barberie,  and  je  suis 
sur  que  Mam'selle  Alide  do  not  love  to  hear  de 
knock — pourtant,  si  Monsieur  le  Patteron  le  veut, 
I  shall  consult  ses — voila !  Monsieur  Bevre, 
qui  vient  sans  knock  a  la  fenetre.  J'ai  l'hon- 
neur  de  vous  laisser  avec  Monsieur  Al'erman." 

And  so  the  complaisant  but  still  considerate 
valet  bowed  himself  out  of  a  dilemma,  that  he 
found,  as  he  muttered  to  himself,  while  retiring, 
"  Tant  soit  peu  ennuyant." 

The  air  and  manner  of  the  alderman,  as  he 
approached  his  guest,  were  like  the  character  of 
the  man,  hale,  hearty,  and  a  little  occupied  with 
his  own  enjoyments  and  feelings.  He  hemmed 
thrice,  ere  he  was  near  enough  to  speak ;  and 
each  of  the  strong  expirations  seemed  to  invite 
the  admiration  of  the  patroon,  for  the  strength 
of  his  lungs,  and  for  the  purity  of  the  atmos- 
phere around  a  villa  which  acknowleged  him  for 
its  owner. 

"  Zephyrs  and  spas !  but  this  is  the  abode  of 
health,  patroon  !  "  cried  the  burgher,  as  soon  as 
these  demonstrations  of  his  own  bodily  condition 
had  been  sufficiently  repeated.  "  One  sometimes 
feels  in  this  air  equal  to  holding  a  discourse  across 
the  Atlantic  with  his  friends  at  Scheveling  or  the 
Helder.  A  broad  and  deep  chest  air  like  this 
from  the  sea,  with  a  clear  conscience  and  a  lucky 
hit  in  the  way  of  trade,  cause  the  lungs  of  a  man 
to  play  as  easily  and  as  imperceptibly  as  the 
wings  of  a  humming-bird.  Let  me  see ;  there 
are  few  fourscore  men  in  thy  stock.  The  last 
patroon  closed  the  books  at  sixty-six ;  and  his 
father  went  but  a  little  beyond  seventy.  I  won- 
der there  has  never  been  an  intermarriage 
among  you  with  the  Yan  Courtlandts  ;  that  blood 
is  as  good  as  an  insurance  to  fourscore  and  ten 
of  itself." 

"  I  find  the  air  of  your  villa,  Mr.  Van  Bever- 
out,  a  cordial  that  one  could  wish  to  take  often," 
returned  the  other,  who  had  far  less  of  the 
brusque  manner  of  the  trader  than  his  compan- 
ion. "  It  is  a  pity  that  all  who  have  the  choice 
do  not  profit  by  their  opportunities  to  breathe 
it." 


"  You  allude  to  the  lazy  mariners  in  yon  ves- 
sel !  Her  majesty's  servants  are  seldom  in  a 
hurry ;  and  as  for  this  brigantine  in  the  cove,  the 
fellow  seems  to  have  got  in  by  magic !  I  war- 
rant me,  now,  the  rogue  is  there  for  no  good, 
and  that  the  queen's  exchequer  will  be  none  the 
richer  for  his  visit. — Harkee,  you  Brom,"  calling 
to  an  aged  black  who  was  working  at  no  great 
distance  from  the  dwelling,  and  who  was  deep  in 
his  master's  confidence,  "  hast  seen  any  boats 
plying  between  yonder  roguish-looking  brigantine 
and  the  land  ?  " 

The  negro  shook  his  head  like  the  earthen 
image  of  a  mandarin,  and  laughed  loud  and 
heartily. 

"  I  b'rieve  he  do  all  he  mischief  among  a 
Yankee,  an'  he  only  come  here  to  take  he  breat'," 
said  the  wily  slave.  "  Well,  I  wish  wid  all  a 
heart  dere  would  come  free-trader  some  time 
along  our  shore.  Dat  gib  a  chance  to  poor 
black  man  to  make  an  honest  penny  !  " 

"  You  see,  patroon,  human  nature  itself  rises 
against  monopoly  !  That  was  the  voice  of  in- 
stinct speaking  with  the  tongue  of  Brom  ;  and  it 
is  no  easy  task  for  a  merchant  to  keep  his  de- 
pendants obedient  to  laws  which  in  themselves 
create  so  constant  a  temptation  to  break  them. 
Well,  well ;  we  will  always  hope  for  the  best,  and 
endeavor  to  act  like  dutiful  subjects.  The  boat 
is  not  amiss  as  to  form  and  rig,  let  her  come  from 
where  she  will.  Dost  think  the  wind  will  be  off 
the  land  this  morning  ?  " 

"  There  are  signs  of  a  change  in  the  clouds. 
One  could  wish  that  all  should  be  out  in  the  air 
to  taste  this  pleasant  sea-breeze  while  it  lasts." 

"  Come,  come,"  cried  the  alderman,  who  had 
for  a  moment  studied  the  state  of  the  heavens 
with  a  solicitude  that  he  feared  might  attract 
his  companion's  attention,  "  we  will  taste  our 
breakfast.  This  is  the  spot  to  show  the  use  of 
teeth  !  The  negroes  have  not  been  idle  during 
the  night,  Mr.  Yan  Staats — he-e-em — I  say,  sir, 
they  have  not  been  idle :  and  we  shall  have  a 
choice  among  the  dainties  of  the  river  and  bay. 
That  cloud  above  the  mouth  of  the  Raritan  ap- 
pears to  rise,  and  we  may  yet  have  a  breeze  at 
west ! " 

"Yonder  comes  a  boat  in  the  direction  of  the 
city,"  observed  the  other,  reluctantly  obeying  a 
motion  of  the  alderman  to  retire  to  the  apartment 
where  they  were  accustomed  to  break  their  fasts. 
"  To  me  it  seems  to  approach  with  more  than  or- 
dinary speed." 

"  There  are  stout  arms  at  its  oars  !  Can  it  be 
a  messenger  for  the  cruiser  ?  no — it  rather  steers 
more  for  our  own  landing.    These  Jerseymen  are 


56 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


often  overtaken  by  the  night,  between  York  and 
their  own  doors.  And  now,  patroon,  we  will  to 
our  knives  and  forks,  like  men  who  have  taken 
the  best  stomachics." 

"And  are  we  to  refresh  ourselves  alone?" 
demanded  the  young  man,  who  ever  and  anon 
cast  a  sidelong  and  wistful  glance  at  the  closed 
and  immovable  shutters  of  la  Cour  des  Fees. 

"  Thy  mother  hath  spoilt  thee,  young  Oloff; 
unless  the  coffee  comes  from  a  pretty  female  hand, 
it  loses  its  savor.  I  take  thy  meaning,  and  think 
none  the  worse  of  thee ;  for  the  weakness  is  nat- 
ural at  thy  years.  Celibacy  and  independence  ! 
A  man  must  get  beyond  forty,  before  he  is  ever 
sure  of  being  his  own  master. — Come  hither,  Mas- 
ter Francis.  It  is  time  my  niece  had  shaken  off 
this  laziness,  and  shown  her  bright  face  to  the  sun. 
We  wait  for  her  fair  services  at  the  table. — I  see 
nothing  of  that  lazy  hussy,  Dinah,  any  more  than 
of  her  mistress." 

"Assurement  non,  monsieur,"  returned  the 
valet ;  "  Mam'selle  Dinah  do  not  love  trop  d'acti- 
vite.  Mais,  Monsieur  AVerman,  elles  sont  jeunes, 
toutes  les  deux !  Le  sommeil  est  bien  salutaire 
pour  la  jeunesse." 

"  The  girl  is  no  longer  in  her  cradle,  Francis, 
and  it  is  time  to  rattle  at  the  windows.  As  for 
the  black  minx,  who  should  have  been  up  and  at 
her  duty  this  hour,  there  will  be  a  balance  to  set- 
tle between  us. — Come,  patrocn — the  appetite 
will  not  await  the  laziness  of  a  wilful  girl ;  we 
will  to  the  table. — Dost  think  the  wind  will  stand 
at  west  this  morning  ?  " 

Thus  saying,  the  alderman  led  the  way  into 
the  little  parlor,  where  a  neat  and  comfortable  ser- 
vice invited  them  to  break  their  morning  fast. 
He  was  followed  by  Oloff  Tan  Staats  with  a  lin- 
gering step,  for  the  young  man  really  longed  to 
see  the  windows  of  the  pavilion  open,  and  the 
fair  face  of  Alida  smiling  amid  the  other  beauti- 
ful objects  of  the  scene.  Francois  proceeded  to 
take  such  measures  to  arouse  his  mistress  as  he 
believed  to  comport  with  his  duty  to  her  uncle, 
and  his  own  ideas  of  bienseance.  After  some  lit- 
tle delay,  the  alderman  and  his  guest  took  their 
seats  at  the  table;  the  former  loudly  protesting 
against  the  necessity  of  waiting  for  the  idle,  and 
throwing  in  an  occasional  moral  concerning  the 
particular  merit  of  punctuality  in  domestic  econo- 
my, as  well  as  in  the  affairs  of  commerce. 

"  The  ancients  divided  time,"  said  the  somewhat 
pertinacious  commentator,  "into  years,  months, 
weeks,  days,  hours,  minutes,  and  moments,  as 
they  divided  numbers  into  units,  tens,  hundreds, 
thousands,  and  tens  of  thousands  ;  and  both  with 
an  object.    If  we  commence  at  the  bottom,  and 


employ  well  the  moments,  Mr.  Tan  Staats,  we  turn 
the  minutes  into  tens,  the  hours  into  hundreds, 
and  the  weeks  and  months  into  thousands — ay ! 
and  when  there  is  a  happy  state  of  trade,  into  tens 
of  thousands!  Missing  an  hour,  therefore,  is 
somewhat  like  dropping  an  important  figure  in  a 
complex  calculation,  and  the  whole  labor  may  be 
useless,  for  want  of  punctuality  in  one,  as  for  want 
of  accuracy  in  the  other.  Your  father,  the  late 
patroon,  was  what  may  be  called  a  minute-man. 
He  was  as  certain  to  be  seen  in  his  pew,  at  church, 
at  the  stroke  of  the  clock,  as  to  pay  a  bill  when  its 
items  had  been  properly  examined.  Ah  !  it  was 
a  blessing  to  hold  one  of  his  notes,  though  they 
were  far  scarcer  than  broad  pieces  or  bullion.  I 
have  heard  it  said,  patroon,  that  the  manor  is 
backed  by  plenty  of  Johannes  and  Dutch  duc- 
ats ! " 

"  The  descendant  has  no  reason  to  reproach 
his  ancestors  with  want  of  foresight." 

"  Prudently  answered — not  a  word  too  much 
nor  too  little — a  principle  on  which  all  honest 
men  settle  their  accounts.  By  proper  manage- 
ment, such  a  foundation  might  be  made  to  up- 
hold an  estate  that  should  count  thousands  with 
the  best  of  Holland  or  England.  Growth  and 
majority!  patroon;  but  we  of  the  colonies  must 
come  to  man's  estate  in  time,  like  our  cousins  on 
the  dikes  of  the  Low  Countries,  or  our  rulers 
among  the  smithies  of  England. — Erasmus,  look 
at  that  cloud  over  the  Raritan,  and  tell  me  if  it 
rises." 

The  negro  reported  that  the  vapor  was  station- 
ary ;  and,  at  the  same  time,  by  way  of  episode, 
he  told  his  master  that  the  boat  which  had  been 
seen  approaching  the  land  had  reached  the  wharf, 
and  that  some  of  its  crew  were  ascending  the  hill 
toward  the  Lust  in  Rust. 

"  Let  them  come  of  all  hospitality,"  returned 
the  alderman,  heartily  ;  "  I  warrant  me,  they  are 
honest  farmers  from  the  interior,  a-hungered  with 
the  toil  of  the  night.  Go  tell  the  cook  to  feed 
them  with  the  best,  and  bid  them  welcome.  And 
harkee,  boy — if  there  be  among  them  any  com- 
fortable yeoman,  bid  the  man  enter  and  sit  at  our 
table.  This  is  not  a  country,  patroon,  to  be  nice 
about  the  quality  of  the  cloth  a  man  has  on  his 
back,  or  whether  he  wears  a  wig  or  only  his  own 
hair. — What  is  the  fellow  gaping  at  ?  " 

Erasmus  rubbed  his  eyes,  and  then  showing 
his  teeth  to  the  full  extent  of  a  double  row,  that 
glittered  like  pearls,  he  gave  his  master  to  under- 
stand that  the  negro,  introduced  to  the  reader 
under  the  name  of  Euclid,  and  who  was  certainly 
his  own  brother  of  the  half-blood,  or  by  themoth- 
j  er's  side,  was  entering  the  villa.    The  intelligence 


CONFLICTING  REPORTS. 


57 


caused  a  sudden  cessation  of  the  masticating  pro- 
cess in  the  alderman,  who  had  not,  however,  time 
to  express  his  wonder  ere  two  doors  simultane- 
ously opened,  and  Francois  presented  himself  at 
the  one,  while  the  shining  and  doubting  face  of 
the  slave  from  town  darkened  the  other.  The 
eyes  of  Myndert  rolled  first  to  this  side,  then  to 
that,  a  certain  misgiving  of  the  heart  preventing 
him  from  speaking  to  either ;  for  he  saw,  in  the 
disturbed  features  of  each,  omens  that  bade  him 
prepare  himself  for  unwelcome  tidings.  The 
reader  will  perceive,  by  the  description  we  shall 
give,  that  there  was  abundant  reason  for  the 
sagacious  burgher's  alarm. 

The  visage  of  the  valet,  at  all  times  meagre 
and  long,  seemed  extended  to  far  more  than  its 
usual  dimensions,  the  under  jaw  appearing  fallen 
and  trebly  attenuated.  The  light-blue,  protruding 
eyes  were  open  to  the  utmost,  and  they  expressed 
a  certain  confused  wildness,  that  was  none  the 
less  striking  for  the  painful  expression  of  the 
mental  suffering  with  which  it  was  mingled. 
Both  hands  were  raised,  with  the  palms  outward  ; 
while  the  shoulders  of  the  poor  fellow  were  ele- 
vated so  high  as  entirely  to  destroy  the  little  sym- 
metry that  nature  had  bestowed  on  that  particu- 
lar part  of  his  frame. 

On  the  other  hand,  the  look  of  the  negro  was 
guilty,  dogged,  and  cunning.  His  eye  leered 
askance,  seeming  to  wish  to  play  around  the  per- 
son of  his  master,  as  it  will  be  seen  his  language 
endeavored  to  play  around  his  understanding.  The 
hands  crushed  the  crown  of  a  woollen  hat  between 
their  fingers,  and  one  of  his  feet  described  semi- 
circles with  its  toe,  by  performing  nervous  evolu- 
tions on  its  heel. 

"  Well !  "  ejaculated  Myndert,  regarding  each 
in  turn,  "what  news  from  the  Canadas? — Is 
the  queen  dead,  or  has  she  restored  the  colony  to 
the  United  Provinces  ?  " 

"  Mam'selle  Alide ! "  exclaimed,  or  rather 
groaned,  Francois. 

"  The  poor  dumb  beast !  —  "  muttered  Eu- 
clid. 

The  knives  and  the  forks  fell  from  the  hands 
of  Myndert  and  his  guest,  as  it  were  by  a  simul- 
taneous paralysis.  The  latter  involuntarily  arose ; 
while  the  former  planted  his  solid  person  still 
more  firmly  it  its  seat,  like  one  who  was  prepar- 
ing to  meet  some  severe  and  expected  shock  with 
all  the  physical  resolution  he  could  muster. 

"  What  of  my  niece  ? — What  of  my  geldings  ? 
— You  have  called  upon  Dinah  ?  " 

"  Sans  doute,  monsieur!" 

"  — And  you  kept  the  keys  of  the  stable  ?  " 

"  I  nebber  let  him  go  at  all ! " 


" — And  you  bade  her  call  her  mistress  ?  " 

"  She  no  make  answair,  du  tout." 

"  — The  animals  were  fed  and  watered,  as  I 
ordered  ? " 

"  'Em  neber  take  he  food  better  ! " 

" — You  entered  the  chamber  of  my  niece, 
yourself,  to  awake  her  ?  " 

"  Monsieur  a  raison." 

"  What  the  devil  has  befallen  the  innocent  ?  " 

"  He  lose  he  stomach  quite,  and  I  t'ink  it 
great  time  'fore  it  ebber  come  back." 

"  Mister  Francis,  I  desire  to  know  the  answer 
of  Monsieur  Barberie's  daughter." 

"  Mam'selle  no  repond,  monsieur ;  pas  un  syl- 
lable!" 

"  Drenchers  and  fleams  !  The  beauty  should 
have  been  drenched  and  blooded — " 

"  Hem'm  too  late  for  dat,  masser,  on  honor." 

"  — The  obstinate  hussy  !  This  comes  of  her 
Huguenot  breed,  a  race  that  would  quit  house 
and  lands  rather  than  change  its  place  of  wor- 
ship ! " 

"  La  famille  de  Barberie  est  honorable,  mon- 
sieur, mais  le  Grand  Monarque  fut  un  peu  trop 
exigeant.  Vraiment,  la  dragonade  etait  mal 
avisee,  pour  faire  des  Chretiens  !  " 

"  Apoplexies  and  hurry !  you  should  have 
sent  for  the  farrier  to  administer  to  the  sufferer, 
thou  black  hound !  " 

"  'Em  go  for  a  butcher,  masser,  to  save  he 
skin,  for  he  war  too  soon  dead." 

The  word  dead  produced  a  sudden  pause. 
The  preceding  dialogue  had  been  so  rapid,  and 
question  and  answer,  no  less  than  the  ideas  of 
the  principal  speaker,  had  got  so  confused,  that, 
for  a  moment,  he  was  actually  at  a  loss  to  under- 
stand whether  the  last  great  debt  of  Nature  had 
been  paid  by  la  belle  Barberie  or  one  of  the 
Flemish  geldings.  Until  now,  consternation,  as 
well  as  the  confusion  of  the  interview,  had  eon- 
strained  the  patroon  to  be  silent,  but  he  profited 
by  the  breathing-time  to  interpose. 

"  It  is  evident,  Mr.  Yan  Beverout,"  he  said, 
speaking  with  a  tremor  in  the  voice  which  be- 
trayed his  own  uneasiness,  "  that  some  untoward 
event  has  occurred.  Perhaps  the  negro  and  I 
had  better  retire,  that  you  may  question  Francis 
concerning  that  which  hath  befallen  Mademoiselle 
Barberie,  more  at  your  leisure." 

The  alderman  was  recalled  from  a  profound 
stupor,  by  this  gentlemanlike  and  considerate 
proposal.  He  bowed  his  acknowledgments,  and 
permitted  Mr.  Van  Staats  to  quit  the  room ;  when 
Euclid  would  have  followed,  he  signed  to  the  ne- 
gro to  remain. 

"  I  may  have  occasion  to  question  thee  fur- 


58 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


ther,"  he  said,  in  a  voice  that  had  lost  most  of 
that  compass  and  depth  for  which  it  was  so  re- 
markable. "  Stand  there,  sirrah,  and  be  in  readi- 
ness to  answer. — And  now,  Mr.  Francis,  I  desire 
to  know  why  my  niece  declines  taking  breakfast 
with  myself  and  my  guest  ?  " 

"  Mon  Dieu,  monsieur,  it  is  not  possible  y  re- 
pondre.  Les  sentiments  des  demoiselles  are 
nevair  decides ! " 

u  Go,  then,  and  say  to  her  that  my  sentiments 
are  decided  to  curtail  certain  bequests  and  de- 
vises, which  have  consulted  her  interest  more 
than  strict  justice  to  others  of  my  blood,  ay, 
and  even  of  my  name,  might  dictate." 

"  Monsieur  y  reflechira.  Mam'selle  Alide  be 
so  young  personne  !  " 

"  Old  or  young,  my  mind  is  made  up ;  and  so 
to  your  Cour  des  Fees,  and  tell  the  lazy  minx  as 
much. — Thou  hast  ridden  that  innocent,  thou 
scowling  imp  of  darkness !  " 

"  Mais,  pensez-y,  je  vous  en  prie,  monsieur. 
Mam'selle  shall  nevair  se  sauver  encore  ;  jamais, 
je  vous  en  repond." 

"  What  is  the  fellow  jabbering  about?"  ex- 
claimed the  alderman,  whose  mouth  fell  nearly 
to  the  degree  that  rendered  the  countenance  of 
the  valet  so  singularly  expressive  of  distress. 
"  Where  is  my  niece,  sir  ? — and  what  means  this 
allusion  to  her  absence  ?  " 

"'La  fille  de  Monsieur  de  Barberie  n'y  est 
pas  !  "  cried  Fran cois,  whose  heart  was  too  full 
to  utter  more.  The  aged  and  affectionate  do- 
mestic laid  his  hand  on  his  breast,  with  an  air 
of  acute  suffering ;  then,  remembering  the  pres- 
ence of  his  superior,  he  turned,  bowed  with  a 
manner  of  profound  condolence,  struggled  man- 
fully with  his  own  emotion,  and  succeeded  in 
getting  out  of  the  room  with  dignity  and  steadi- 
ness. 

It  is  due  to  the  character  of  Alderman  Van 
Beverout  to  say  that  the  blow  occasioned  by  the 
sudden  death  of  the  Flemish  gelding  lost  some  of 
its  force,  in  consequence  of  so  unlooked-for  a  re- 
port concerting  the  inexplicable  absence  of  his 
niece.  Euclid  was  questioned,  menaced,  and  even 
anathematized,  more  than  once,  during  the  next 
ten  minutes  ;  but  the  cunning  slave  succeeded  in 
confounding  himself  so  effectually  with  the  rest 
of  his  connections  of  the  half  blood,  during  the 
search  which  instantly  followed  the  report  of  Fran- 
cois, that  his  crime  was  partially  forgotten. 

On  entering  la  Cour  des  Fees,  it  was,  in  truth, 
found  to  want  her  whose  beauty  and  grace  had 
lent  its  chief  attraction.  The  outer  rooms,  which 
were  small,  and  ordinarily  occupied  during  the 
day  by  Francois  and  the  negress  called  Dinah, 


and  in  the  night  by  the  latter  only,  were  in  a  state 
in  which  they  might  be  expected  to  be  seen. 
The  apartment  of  the  attendant  furnished  evi- 
dence that  its  occupant  had  quitted  it  in  haste, 
though  there  was  every  appearance  of  her  having 
retired  to  rest  at  the  usual  hour.  Clothes  were 
scattered  carelessly  about ;  and  though  most  of 
her  personal  effects  had  disappeared,  enough  re- 
mained to  prove  that  her  departure  had  been  hur- 
ried and  unforeseen. 

On  the  other  hand,  the  little  saloon,  and  the 
dressing-room  and  bedroom  of  la  belle  Barberie, 
were  in  a  state  of  the  most  studied  arrangement. 
Not  an  article  of  furniture  was  displaced,  a  door 
ajar,  or  a  window  open.  The  pavilion  had  evi- 
dently been  quitted  by  its  ordinary  passage,  and 
the  door  had  been  closed  in  the  customary  man- 
ner, without  using  the  fastenings.  The  bed 
had  evidently  not  been  entered,  for  the  linen 
was  smooth  and  untouched.  In  short,  so  com- 
plete was  the  order  of  the  place  that,  yielding 
to  a  powerful  natural  feeling,  the  alderman  called 
aloud  on  his  truant  niece,  by  name,  as  if  he  ex- 
pected to  see  her  appear  from  some  place,  in 
which  she  had  secreted  her  person,  in  idle  sport. 
But  this  touching  expedient  was  vain.  The  voice 
sounded  hollow  through  the  deserted  rooms ; 
and,  though  all  waited  long  to  listen,  there  came 
no  playful  or  laughing  answer  back. 

"  Alida ! "  cried  the  burgher,  for  the  fourth  and 
last  time,  "come  forth,  child;  I  forgive  thee  thy 
idle  sport,  and  all  I  have  said  of  disinheritance 
was  but  a  jest.  Come  forth,  my  sister's  daughter, 
and  kiss  thy  old  uncle  !  " 

The  patroon  turned  aside,  as  he  heard  a  man 
so  known  for  his  worldliness  yielding  to  the  power 
of  Nature ;  and  the  lord  of  a  hundred  thousand 
acres  forgot  his  own  disappointment,  in  the  force 
of  sympathy. 

"  Let  us  retire,"  he  said,  gently  urging  the 
burgher  to  quit  the  place.  "  A  little  reflection 
will  enable  us  to  decide  what  should  be  done." 

The  alderman  complied.  Before  quitting  the 
place,  however,  its  closets  and  drawers  were  ex- 
amined ;  and  the  search  left  no  further  doubts  of 
the  step  which  the  young  heiress  had  taken. 
Her  clothes,  books,  utensils  for  drawing,  and  even 
the  lighter  instruments  of  music,  had  disap- 
peared. 


ALIDA'S  DISAPPEARANCE  DISCUSSED. 


59 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

"  Ay,  that  way  goes  the  game, 
Now  I  perceive  that  she  hath  made  compare 
Between  our  statures.1' 

Midsttmmee-Night's  Deeam. 

The  tide  of  existence  floats  downward,  and 
with  it  go,  in  their  greatest  strength,  all  those  affec- 
tions that  unite  families  and  kindred.  We  learn 
to  know  our  parents  in  the  fulness  of  their  rea- 
son, and  commonly  in  the  perfection  of  their  bod- 
ily strength.  Reverence  and  respect  both  mingle 
with  our  love ;  but  the  affection  with  which  we 
watch  the  helplessness  of  infancy,  the  interest 
with  which  we  see  the  ingenious  and  young  profit- 
ing by  our  care,  the  pride  of  improvement,  and 
the  magic  of  hope,  create  an  intensity  of  sympathy 
in  their  favor,  that  almost  equals  the  identity  of 
self-love.  There  is  a  mysterious  and  double  exist- 
ence in  the  tie  that  binds  the  parent  to  the  child. 
With  a  volition  and  passions  of  its  own,  the  lat- 
ter has  power  to  plant  a  sting  in  the  bosom  of  the 
former,  that  shall  wound  as  acutely  as  the  errors 
which  arise  from  mistakes,  almost  from  crimes, 
of  its  own.  But,  when  the  misconduct  of  the 
descendant  can  be  traced  to  neglect,  or  to  a  vi- 
cious instruction,  then,  indeed,  even  the  pang  of 
a  wounded  conscience  may  be  added  to  the  suffer- 
ings of  those  who  have  gone  before.  Such,  in 
some  measure,  was  the  nature  of  the  pain  that 
Alderman  Van  Beverout  was  condemned  to  feel, 
when  at  leisure  to  reflect  on  the  ill-judged  meas- 
ure that  had  been  taken  by  la  belle  Barberie. 

"  She  was  a  pleasant  and  coaxing  minx,  pa- 
troon,"  said  the  burgher,  pacing  the  room  they 
occupied  with  a  quick  and  heavy  step,  and  speak- 
ing unconsciously  of  his  niece,  as  of  one  already 
beyond  the  interests  of  life ;  "  and  as  wilful  and 
headstrong  as  an  unbroken  colt. — Thou  hard-rid- 
ing imp  !  I  shall  never  find  a  match  for  the  poor 
disconsolate  survivor. — But  the  girl  had  a  thou- 
sand agreeable  and  delightful  ways  with  her,  that 
made  her  the  delight  of  my  old  days.  She  has  not 
done  wisely,  to  desert  the  friend  and  guardian  of 
her  youth,  ay,  even  of  her  childhood,  in  order  to 
seek  protection  from  strangers.  This  is  an  un- 
happy world,  Mr.  Van  Staats.  All  our  calcula- 
tions come  to  naught ;  and  it  is  in  the  power  of 
Fortune  to  reverse  the  most  reasonable  and  wisest 
of  our  expectations.  A  gale  of  wind  drives  the 
richly-freighted  ship  to  the  bottom;  a  sudden 
fall  in  the  market  robs  us  of  our  gold,  as  the 
November  wind  strips  the  oak  of  its  leaves ;  and 
bankruptcies  and  decayed  credit  often  afflict  the 
days  of  the  oldest  houses,  a3  disease  saps  the 


strength  of  the  body. — Alida !  Alida !  thou  hast 
wounded  one  that  never  harmed  thee,  and  ren- 
dered my  age  miserable ! " 

"  It  is  vain  to  contend  with  the  inclinations," 
returned  the  proprietor  of  the  manor,  sighing  in 
a.  manner  that  did  no  discredit  to  the  sincerity  of 
his  remark.  "  I  could  have  been  happy  to  have 
placed  your  niece  in  the  situation  that  my  re- 
spected mother  filled  with  so  much  dignity  and 
credit,  but  it  is  now  too  late — " 

"  We  don't  know  that ;  we  don't  know  that," 
interrupted  the  alderman,  who  still  clung  to  the 
hope  of  effecting  the  first  great  wish  of  his  heart, 
with  the  pertinacity  with  which  he  would  have 
clung  to  the  terms  of  any  other  fortunate  bargain. 
"  We  should  never  despair,  Mr.  Van  Staats,  as 
long  as  the  transaction  is  left  open." 

"  The  manner  in  which  Mademoiselle  Barbe- 
rie has  expressed  her  preference  is  so  very  de- 
cided, that  I  see  no  hope  of  completing  the  ar- 
rangement." 

"  Mere  coquetry,  sir,  mere  coquetry !  The 
girl  has  disappeared  in  order  to  enhance  the  val- 
ue of  her  future  submission.  One  should  never 
regard  a  treaty  at  an  end,  so  long  as  reasonable 
hopes  remain  that  it  may  be  productive  to  the 
parties." 

"  I  fear,  sir,  there  is  more  of  the  coquette  in 
this  step  of  the  young  lady  than  a  gentleman  can 
overlook,"  returned  the  patroon,  a  little  dryly, 
and  with  far  more  point  than  he  was  accustomed 
to  use.  "If  the  commander  of  her  majesty's 
cruiser  be  not  a  happy  man,  he  will  not  have  oc- 
casion to  reproach  his  mistress  with  disdain ! " 

"  I  am  not  certain,  Mr.  Van  Staats,  that  in  the 
actual  situation  of  our  stipulations,  I  ought  to 
overlook  an  innuendo  that  seems  to  reflect  on  the 
discretion  of  my  ward.  Captain  Ludlow — well, 
sirrah !  what  is  the  meaning  of  this  imperti- 
nence ?  " 

"  He'm  waiting  to  see  masser,"  returned  the 
gaping  Erasmus,  who  stood  with  the  door  in  his 
hand,  admiring  the  secret  intelligence  of  his  mas- 
ter, who  had  so  readily  anticipated  his  errand. 

"  Who  is  waiting  ? — What  does  the  simpleton 
mean  ?  " 

"I  mean  a  gentle'um  masser  say." 

"  The  fortunate  man  is  here  to  remind  us  of 
his  success,"  haughtily  observed  Van  Staats  of 
Kinderhook.  "  There  can  be  no  necessity  for  my 
presence  at  an  interview  between  Alderman  Van 
Beverout  and  his  nephew." 

The  justly-mortified  patroon  bowed  ceremo- 
niously to  the  equally  disappointed  burgher,  and 
left  the  room  the  moment  he  had  done  speaking. 
The  negro  took  his  retreat  as  a  favorable  symp- 


60 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


torn  for  one  who  was  generally  known  to  be  his 
rival ;  and  he  hastened  to  inform  the  young  cap- 
tain that  the  coast  was  clear. 

The  meeting  that  succeeded  was  sufficiently 
constrained  and  awkward.  Alderman  Van  Bev- 
erout  assumed  a  manner  of  offended  authority 
and  wounded  affection ;  while  the  officer  of  the 
queen  wore  an  air  of  compelled  submission  to  a 
duty  that  he  found  to  be  disagreeable.  The  in- 
troduction of  the  discourse  was  consequently 
ceremonious,  and  punctiliously  observant  of  cour- 
tesy. 

"It  has  become  my  office,"  continued  Lud- 
low, after  the  preliminaries  had  been  observed, 
"  to  express  the  surprise  I  feel  that  a  vessel  of 
the  exceedingly  equivocal  appearance  of  the  brig- 
antine,  that  is  anchored  in  the  cove,  should  be 
found  in  a  situation  to  create  unpleasant  suspi- 
cions concerning  the  commercial  propriety  of  a 
merchant  so  well  known  as  Mr.  Alderman  Yan 
Beverout." 

"  The  credit  of  Myndert  Van  Beverout  is  too 
well  established,  Captain  Cornelius  Ludlow,  to 
be  affected  by  the  accidental  position  of  ships 
and  bays.  I  see  two  vessels  anchored  near  the 
Lust  in  Rust,  and  if  called  upon  to  give  my  testi- 
mony before  the  queen  in  council,  I  should  de- 
clare that  the  one  which  wears  her  royal  pennant 
had  done  more  wrong  to  her  subjects  than  the 
stranger.  But  what  harm  is  known  of  the  lat- 
ter ?  " 

"I  shall  not  conceal  any  of  the  facts;  for  I 
feel  that  this  is  a  case  in  which  a  gentleman  of 
your  station  has  the  fullest  right  to  the  benefit  of 
explanations — " 

"  Hem — "  interrupted  the  burgher,  who  dis- 
liked the  manner  in  which  his  companion  had 
opened  the  interview,  and  who  thought  he  saw  the 
commencement  of  a  forced  compromise  in  the  turn 
it  was  taking.  "  Hem — I  commend  yourmodera- 
tion,  Captain  Ludlow.  Sir,  we  are  flattered  in 
having  a  native  of  the  province  in  so  honorable 
a  command  on  the  coast.  Be  seated,  I  pray  you, 
young  gentleman,  that  we  may  converse  more  at 
leisure.  The  Ludlows  are  an  ancient  and  well- 
established  family  in  the  colonies ;  and,  though 
they  were  no  friends  of  King  Charles,  why — we 
have  others  here  in  the  same  predicament.  There 
are  few  crowns  in  Europe  that  might  not  trace 
some  of  their  discontented  subjects  to  these  col- 
onies ;  and  the  greater  the  reason,  say  I,  why  we 
should  not  be  too  hasty  in  giving  faith  to  the 
wisdom  of  this  European  legislation.  I  do  not 
pretend,  sir,  to  admire  all  the  commercial  regula- 
tions which  flow  from  the  wisdom  of  her  majesty's 
counsellors.    Candor  forbids  that  I  should  deny 


this  truth;  but — what  of  the  brigantine  in  the 
cove  ?  " 

"  It  is  not  necessary  to  tell  one  so  familiar 
with  the  affairs  of  commerce,  of  the  character  of 
a  vessel  called  the  Water-Witch,  nor  that  of  its 
lawless  commander,  the  notorious  Skimmer  of  the 
Seas." 

"  Captain  Ludlow  is  not  about  to  accuse  Alder- 
man Van  Beverout  of  a  connection  with  such  a 
man  !  "  exclaimed  the  burgher,  rising  as  it  were 
involuntarily,  and  actually  recoiling  a  foot  or  two 
apparently  under  the  force  of  indignation  and  sur- 
prise. 

"  Sir,  I  am  not  commissioned  to  accuse  any 
of  the  queen's  subjects.  My  duty  is  to  guard  her 
interests  on  the  water,  to  oppose  her  open  ene- 
mies, and  to  uphold  her  royal  prerogatives." 

"An  honorable  employment,  and  one  I  doubt 
not  that  is  honorably  discharged.  Resume  your 
seat,  sir;  for  I  foresee  that  the  conference  is 
likely  to  end  as  it  should,  between  a  son  of  the 
late  very  respectable  king's  counsellor  and  his 
father's  friend.  You  have  reason  then  for  think- 
ing that  this  brigantine  which  has  so  suddenly 
appeared  in  the  cove,  has  some  remote  connec- 
tion with  the  Skimmer  of  the  Seas  ?  " 

w  I  believe  the  vessel  to  be  the  famous  Water- 
Witch  itself,  and  her  commander  to  be,  of  course, 
the  well-known  adventurer." 

"  Well,  sir — well,  sir— this  may  be  so.  It  is 
impossible  for  me  to  deny  it ;  but  what  should 
such  a  reprobate  be  doing  here,  under  the  guns 
of  a  queen's  cruiser  ?  " 

"  Mr.  Alderman,  my  admiration  of  your  niece 
is  not  unknown  to  you." 

"  I  have  suspected  it,  sir,"  returned  the  burgh- 
er, who  believed  the  tenor  of  the  compromise  was 
getting  clearer,  but  who  still  waited  to  know  the 
exact  value  of  the  concessions  the  other  party 
would  make,  before  he  closed  a  bargain  in  a  hurry, 
of  which  he  might  repent  at  his  leisure.  "In- 
deed, it  has  even  been  the  subject  of  some  dis- 
course between  us." 

"This  admiration  induced  me  to  visit  your 
villa  the  past  night—" 

"  This  is  a  fact  too  well  established,  young 
gentleman." 

"  Whence  I  took  away — "  Ludlow  hesitated, 
as  if  anxious  to  select  his  words— 

"  Alida  Barberie." 

"  Alida  Barberie ! " 

"  Ay,  sir ;  my  niece,  or  perhaps  I  should  say 
my  heiress,  as  well  as  the  heiress  of  old  Etienne 
de  Barberie.  The  cruise  was  short,  Captain  Cor- 
nelius Ludlow ;  but  the  prize-money  will  be  ample 
—unless,  indeed,  a  claim  to  neutral  privileges 


MUTUAL  MISUNDERSTANDING. 


61 


should  be  established  in  favor  of  part  of  the 
cargo ! " 

"  Sir,  your  pleasantry  is  amusing,  but  I  have 
little  leisure  for  its  enjoyment.  That  I  visited  the 
Cour  des  Fees  shall  not  be  denied.  I  think  la  belle 
Barberie  will  not  be  offended,  under  the  circum- 
stances, with  this  acknowledgment." 

"  If  she  is,  the  jade  has  a  rare  squeamishness, 
after  what  has  passed  ! " 

"  I  pretend  not  to  judge  of  more  than  my  duty. 
The  desire  to  serve  my  royal  mistress  had  induced 
me,  Mr.  Yan  Beverout,  to  cause  a  seaman  of  odd 
attire  and  audacious  deportment  to  enter  the  Co- 
quette. You  will  know  the  man  when  I  tell  you  that 
he  was  your  companion  in  the  island  ferry-boat." 

"  Yes,  yes,  I  confess  there  was  a  mariner  of 
the  long  voyage  there,  who  caused  much  surprise, 
and  some  uneasiness  to  myself  and  niece,  as  well 
as  to  Yan  Staats  of  Kinderhook." 

Ludlow  smiled  like  one  hot  to  be  deceived,  as 
he  continued  : 

"  Well,  sir,  this  man  so  far  succeeded  as  to 
tempt  me  to  suffer  him  to  land  under  the  obliga- 
tion of  some  half-extorted  promise — we  came  into 
the  river  together,  and  entered  your  grounds  in 
company." 

Alderman  Yan  Beverout  now  began  to  listen 
like  a  man  who  dreaded,  while  he  desired,  to  catch 
each  syllable.  Observing  that  Ludlow  paused, 
and  watched  his  countenance  with  a  cool  and 
steady  eye,  he  recovered  his  self-command,  and 
affected  a  mere  ordinary  curiosity,  while  he  signed 
to  him  to  proceed. 

"I  am  not  sure  I  tell  Alderman  Yan  Beverout 
any  thing  that  is  new,"  resumed  the  young  officer, 
"  when  I  add  that  the  fellow  suffered  me  to  visit 
the  pavilion,  and  then  contrived  to  lead  me  into 
an  ambush  of  lawless  men,  having  previously  suc- 
ceeded in  making  captives  of  my  boat's  crew." 

"Seizures  and  warrants!"  exclaimed  the 
burgher,  in  his  natural  strong  and  hasty  manner 
of  speaking.  "  This  is  the  first  I  have  heard  of 
the  affair.  It  was  ill-judged,  to  call  it  by  no  other 
term." 

Ludlow  seemed  relieved  when  he  saw  by  the 
undisguised  amazement  of  his  companion  that  the 
latter  was,  in  truth,  ignorant  of  the  manner  in 
which  he  had  been  detained. 

"  It  might  not  have  been,  sir,  had  our  watch 
been  as  vigilant  as  their  artifice  was  deep,"  he 
continued.  "  But  I  was  little  guarded,  and  hav- 
ing no  means  to  reach  my  ship,  I — " 

"  Ay,  ay,  Captain  Ludlow ;  it  is  not  neces- 
sary to  be  so  circumstantial;  you  proceeded  to 
the  wharf,  and — " 

"  Perhaps,  sir,  I  obeyed  my  feelings  rather 


than  my  duty,"  observed  Ludlow,  coloring  high, 
when  he  perceived  that  the  burgher  paused  to  clear 
his  throat.    "  I  returned  to  the  pavilion,where — " 

"  You  persuaded  a  niece  to  forget  her  duty  to 
her  uncle  and  protector." 

"  This  is  a  harsh  and  most  unjustifiable  charge, 
both  as  respects  the  young  lady  and  myself.  I 
can  distinguish  between  a  very  natural  desire  to 
possess  articles  of  commerce  that  are  denied  by 
the  laws,  and  a  more  deliberate  and  mercenary 
plot  against  the  revenue  of  the  country.  I  be- 
lieve there  are  few  of  her  years  and  sex  who 
would  refuse  to  purchase  the  articles  I  saw  pre- 
sented to  the  eyes  of  la  belle  Barberie,  especially 
when  the  utmost  hazard  could  be  no  more  than 
their  loss,  as  they  were  already  introduced  into 
the  country." 

"A  just  discrimination,  and  one  likely  to  ren- 
der the  arrangement  of  our  little  affairs  less  diffi- 
cult !  I  was  sure  that  my  old  friend  the  coun- 
sellor would  not  have  left  a  son  of  his  ignorant 
of  principles,  more  especially  as  he  was  about  to 
embark  in  a  profession  of  so  much  responsibility. 
And  so  my  niece  had  the  imprudence  to  entertain 
a  dealer  in  contraband  ?  " 

"  Alderman  Yan  Beverout,  there  were  boats 
in  motion  on  the  water  between  this  landing  and 
the  brigantine  in  the  cove.  A  periagua  even  left 
the  river  for  the  city,  at  the  extraordinary  hour 
of  midnight ! " 

"  Sir,  boats  will  move  on  the  water,  when  the 
hands  of  man  set  them  in  motion  ;  but  what  have 
I  to  answer  for  in  the  matter  ?  If  goods  have 
entered  the  province  without  license,  why,  they 
must  be  found  and  condemned  ;  and  if  free-trad- 
ers are  on  the  coast,  they  should  be  caught. 
Would  it  not  be  well  to  proceed  to  town,  and  lay 
the  fact  of  this  strange  brigantine's  presence  be- 
fore the  governor,  without  delay  ?  " 

"  I  have  other  intentions.  If,  as  you  say, 
goods  have  gone  up  the  bay,  it  is  too  late  for  me 
to  stop  them ;  but  it  is  not  too  late  to  attempt  to 
seize  yon  brigantine.  Now,  I  would  perform  this 
duty  in  a  manner  as  little  likely  to  offend  any  of 
reputable  name,  as  my  allegiance  will  admit." 

"  Sir,  I  extol  this  discretion — not  that  there 
is  any  testimony  to  implicate  more  than  the  crew, 
but  credit  is  a  delicate  flower,  and  it  should  be 
handled  tenderly.  I  see  an  opening  for  an  ar- 
rangement— but,  we  will,  as  in  duty  bound,  hear 
your  propositions  first,  since  you  may  be  said  to 
speak  with  the  authority  of  the  queen.  I  will 
merely  surmise  that  terms  should  be  moderate, 
between  friends — perhaps  I  should  say,  between 
connections,  Captain  Ludlow." 

"  I  am  flattered  by  the  word,  sir,"  returned 


02 


THE  WATER- WITCH. 


the  young  sailor,  smiling  with  an  expression  of 
delight.  "  First  suffer  me  to  be  admitted  to  the 
charming  Cour  des  Fees  but  for  a  moment." 

"  That  is  a  favor  which  can  hardly  be  refused 
you,  who  may  be  said  to  have  a  right,  now,  to 
enter  the  pavilion  at  pleasure,"  returned  the 
alderman,  unhesitatingly  leading  the  way  through 
the  long  passage  to  the  deserted  apartments  of 
his  niece,  and  continuing  the  blind  allusions  to 
the  affairs  of  the  preceding  night,  in  the  same  in- 
direct manner  as  had  distinguished  the  dialogue 
during  the  whole  interview.  "  I  shall  not  be  un- 
reasonable, young  gentleman,  and  here  is  the  pa- 
vilion of  my  niece ;  I  wish  I  could  add,  and  here 
also  is  its  mistress  !  " 

"  And  is  la  belle  Barberie  no  longer  a  tenant 
of  la  Cour  des  Fees,"  demanded  Ludlow,  in  a 
surprise  too  natural  to  be  feigned. 

Alderman  Van  Beverout  regarded  the  young 
man  in  wonder  ;  pondered  a  moment,  to  consider 
how  far  denying  a  knowledge  of  the  absence  of 
his  niece  might  benefit  the  officer,  in  the  pending 
negotiations ;  and  he  dryly  observed :  "  Boats 
passed  on  the  water,  during  the  night.  If  the  men 
of  Captain  Ludlow  were  at  first  imprisoned,  I  pre- 
sume they  were  set  at  liberty  at  the  proper  time." 

"  They  are  carried  I  know  not  whither — the 
boat  itself  is  gone,  and  I  am  here  alone." 

"  Am  I  to  understand,  Captain  Ludlow,  that 
Alida  Barberie  has  not  fled  my  house,  during 
the  past  night,  to  seek  a  refuge  in  your  ship  ?  " 

"  Fled  !  "  echoed  the  young  man,  in  a  voice 
of  horror.  "  Has  Alida  de  Barberie  fled  from 
the  house  of  her  uncle  at  all  ?  " 

"  Captain  Ludlow,  this  is  not  acting.  On  the 
honor  of  a  gentleman,  are  you  ignorant  of  my 
niece's  absence  ?  " 

The  young  commander  did  not  answer ;  but, 
striking  his  head  fiercely,  he  smothered  words 
that  were  unintelligible  to  his  companion.  When 
this  momentary  burst  of  feeling  was  past,  he 
sank  into  a  chair,  and  gazed  about  him  in  stupid 
amazement.  All  this  pantomime  was  inexplicable 
to  the  alderman,  who,  however,  began  to  see 
that  more  of  the  conditions  of  the  arrangement 
in  hand  were  beyond  the  control  of  his  compan- 
ion than  he  had  at  first  believed.  Still  the  plot 
thickened,  rather  than  grew  clear ;  and  he  was 
afraid  to  speak,  lest  he  might  utter  more  than 
was  prudent.  The  silence,  therefore,  continued 
for  quite  a  minute  ;  during  which  time,  the  par- 
ties sat  gazing  at  each  other  in  dull  wonder. 

"I  shall  not  deny,  Captain  Ludlow,  that  I 
believed  you  had  prevailed  on  my  niece  to  fly 
aboard  the  Coquette ;  for,  though  a  man  who 
has  always  kept  his  feelings  in  his  own  command, 


as  the  safest  manner  of  managing  particular  in- 
terests, yet  I  am  not  to  learn  that  rash  youth  is 
often  guilty  of  folly.  I  am  now  equally  at  a  loss 
with  yourself  to  know  what  has  become  of  her, 
since  here  she  is  not." 

"  Hold  !  "  eagerly  interrupted  Ludlow.  "  A 
boat  left  your  wharf,  for  the  city,  in  the  earlier 
hours  of  the  morning.  Is  it  not  possible  that 
she  may  have  taken  a  passage  in  it  ?  " 

"  It  is  not  possible.  I  have  reasons  to  know 
— in  short,  sir,  she  is  not  there." 

"  Then  is  the  unfortunate — the  lovely — the 
indiscreet  girl  forever  lost  to  herself  and  us  ! " 
exclaimed  the  young  sailor,  groaning  under  his 
mental  agony.  "  Rash,  mercenary  man !  to  what 
an  act  of  madness  has  this  thirst  of  gold  driven 
one  so  fair — would  I  could  say,  so  pure  and  so 
innocent ! " 

But  while  the  distress  of  the  lover  was  thus 
violent,  and  caused  him  to  be  so  little  measured 
in  his  terms  of  reproach,  the  uncle  of  the  fair 
offender  appeared  to  be  lost  in  surprise.  Though 
la  belle  Barberie  had  so  well  preserved  the  de- 
corum and  reserve  of  her  sex,  as  to  leave  even 
her  suitors  in  doubt  of  the  way  her  inclinations 
tended,  the  watchful  alderman  had  long  suspect- 
ed that  the  more  ardent,  open,  and  manly  com- 
mander of  the  Coquette  was  likely  to  triumph 
over  one  so  cold  in  exterior,  and  so  cautious  in 
his  advances,  as  the  Patroon  of  Kinderhook. 
When,  therefore,  it  became  apparent  Alida  had 
disappeared,  he  quite  naturally  inferred  that  she 
had  taken  the  simplest  manner  of  defeating  all 
his  plans  for  favoring  the  suit  of  the  latter,  by 
throwing  herself,  at  once,  into  the  arms  of  the 
young  sailor.  The  laws  of  the  colonies  offered 
few  obstacles  to  the  legality  of  their  union  ;  and 
when  Ludlow  appeared  that  morning,  he  firmly 
believed  that  he  beheld  one  who,  if  he  were  not 
so  already,  was  inevitably  soon  to  become  his 
nephew.  But  the  suffering  of  the  disappointed 
youth  could  not  be  counterfeited ;  and  the  per- 
plexed alderman  seemed  utterly  at  a  loss  to  con- 
jecture what  could  have  become  of  his  niece. 
Wonder,  rather  than  pain,  possessed  him ;  and 
when  he  suffered  his  ample  chin  to  repose  on  the 
finger  and  thumb  of  one  hand,  it  was  with  the  air 
of  a  man  that  revolved,  in  his  mind,  all  the 
plausible  points  of  some  knotty  question. 

"  Holes  and  corners  !  "  he  muttered,  after  a 
long  silence  ;  "  the  wilful  minx  cannot  be  play- 
ing at  hide-and-seek  with  her  friends  !  The  hussy 
had  ever  too  much  of  la  famille  de  Barberie,  and 
her  high  Norman  blood  about  her,  as  that  silly 
old  valet  has  it,  to  stoop  to  such  childish  trifling. 
Gone  she  certainly  is,"  he  continued,  looking 


-The  young  commander  did  not  answer;  but,  striking  his  head  fiercely,  he  smothered 
words  that  were  unintelligible  to  his  companion." 

The  Water-Witch,  p  62. 


JOINT  EFFORTS. 


G3 


again  into  the  empty  drawers  and  closets,  "  and 
with  her  the  valuables  have  disappeared.  The 
guitar  is  missing — the  lute  I  sent  across  the 
ocean  to  purchase,  an  excellently-toned  Dutch 
lute,  that  cost  every  stiver  of  one  hundred  guild- 
ers, is  also  wanting,  and  all  the — hem — the  re- 
cent accessions  have  disappeared.  And  there, 
too,  are  my  sister's  jewels,  that  I  persuaded  her 
to  bring  along,  to  guard  against  accidents  while 
our  backs  are  turned — they  are  not  to  be  seen. 
— Francois  !  Francois  !  Thou  long-tried  servitor 
of  Etienne  Barberie,  what  the  devil  has  become 
of  thy  mistress  ?  " 

"  Mais,  monsieur,"  returned  the  disconsolate 
valet,  whose  decent  features  exhibited  all  the 
signs  of  unequivocal  suffering,  "  she  no  tell  le 
pauvre  Francois  !  En '  supposant,  que  monsieur 
ask  le  capitaine,  he  shall  probablement  know." 

The  burgher  cast  a  quick,  suspicious  glance  at 
Ludlow,  and  shook  his  head,  to  express  his  belief 
that  the  young  man  was  true. 

"  Go  ;  desire  Mr.  Van  Staats  of  Kinderhook  to 
favor  us  with  his  company." 

"  Hold ! "  cried  Ludlow,  motioning  to  the  valet 
to  withdraw.  "  Mr.  Beverout,  an  uncle  should  be 
tender  of  the  errors  of  one  so  dear  as  this,  cruel, 
unreflecting  girl.  You  cannot  think  of  abandon- 
ing her  to  so  frightful  a  fortune  ?  " 

"  I  am  not  addicted  to  abandoning  any  thing, 
sir,  to  which  my  title  is  just  and  legal.  But  you 
speak  in  enigmas.  If  you  are  acquainted  with  the 
place  where  my  niece  is  secreted,  avow  it  frankly, 
and  permit  me  to  take  those  measures  which  the 
case  requires." 

Ludlow  reddened  to  his  forehead,  and  he 
struggled  powerfully  with  his  pride  and  his  regrets. 

"  It  is  useless  to  attempt  concealing  the  step 
which  Alida  Barberie  has  been  pleased  to  take," 
he  said,  a  smile  so  bitter  passing  over  his  features 
as  to  lend  them  the  expression  of  severe  mockery  ; 
"  she  has  chosen  more  worthily  than  either  of  us 
could  have  believed ;  she  has  found  a  companion 
more  suited  to  her  station,  her  character,  and  her 
sex,  than  Yan  Staats  of  Kinderhook,  or  a  poor 
commander  of  a  queen's  ship  ! " 

"  Cruisers  and  manors  !  What  in  the  name 
of  mysteries  is  thy  meaning?  The  girl  is  not 
here ;  you  declare  she  is  not  on  board  the  Co- 
quette ;  and  there  remains  only — " 

"  The  brigantine ! "  groaned  the  young  sailor, 
uttering  the  word  by  a  violent  effort  of  the  will. 

"The  brigantine!"  repeated  the  alderman, 
slowly.  "  My  niece  can  have  nothing  to  do 
aboard  a  dealer  in  contraband.  That  is  to  say, 
Alida  Barberie  is  not  a  trader." 

u  Alderman  Yan  Beverout,  if  we  wish  to  es- 


cape the  contamination  of  vice,  its  society  must 
be  avoided.  There  was  one  in  the  pavilion,  of  a 
mien  and  assurance  the  past  night,  that  might 
delude  an  angel. —  Ah!  woman!  woman!  thy 
mind  is  composed  of  vanities,  and  thy  imagination 
is  thy  bitterest  foe  ! " 

u  Women  and  vanities ! "  echoed  the  amazed 
burgher.  "  My  niece,  the  heiress  of  old  Etienne 
Marie  de  Barberie,  and  the  sought  of  so  many  of 
honorable  names  and  respectable  professions,  to 
be  a  refugee  with  a  rover — always  supposing  your 
opinions  of  the  character  of  the  brigantine  to  be 
just.  This  is  a  conjecture  too  improbable  to  be 
true." 

"  The  eye  of  a  lover,  sir,  may  be  keener  than 
that  of  a  guardian — call  it  jealousy,  if  you  will — 
would  to  Heaven  my  suspicions  were  untrue ! — 
but  if  she  be  not  there,  where  is  she  ?  " 

The  opinion  of  the  alderman  seemed  stag- 
gered. If  la  belle  Barberie  had  not  yielded  to 
the  fascinations  of  that  wayward  but  seductive 
eye  and  smile,  to  that  singular  beauty  of  face,  and 
to  the  secret  and  often  irresistible  charm  that 
encircles  eminent  personal  attractions,  when  aid- 
ed by  mystery — to  what  had  she  yielded,  and 
whither  had  she  fled  ? 

These  were  reflections  that  now  began  to  pass 
through  the  thoughts  of  the  alderman,  as  they 
had  already  planted  stings  in  the  bosom  of  Lud- 
low. With  reflection,  conviction  began  slowly  to 
assert  its  power.  But  the  truth  did  not  gleam 
upon  the  mind  of  the  calculating  and  wary  mer- 
chant, with  the  same  instinctive  readiness  that  it 
had  flashed  upon  the  jealous  faculties  of  the  lov- 
er. He  pondered  on  each  circumstance  of  the  in- 
terview between  the  dealer  in  contraband  and  his 
niece ;  recalled  the  manner  and  discourse  of  the 
former ;  drew  certain  general  and  vague  conjec- 
tures concerning  the  power  which  novelty,  when 
coupled  with  circumstances  of  romance,  might 
exercise  over  a  female  fancy ;  and  dwelt  long  and 
secretly  on  some  important  facts  that  were  alone 
known  to  himself,  before  his  judgment  finally  set- 
tled down  into  the  same  opinion  as  that  which 
his  companion  had  formed,  with  all  the  sensitive- 
ness of  jealous  alarm. 

"  Women  and  vagaries !  "  muttered  the  burgh- 
er, after  his  study  was  ended.  "  Their  conceits  are 
as  uncertain  as  the  profits  of  a  whaling-voyage, 
or  the  luck  of  a  sportsman.  Captain  Ludlow, 
your  assistance  will  be  needed  in  this  affair ;  and 
as  it  may  not  be  too  late,  since  there  are  few 
priests  in  the  brigantine — always  supposing  her 
character  to  be  what  you  affirm — my  niece  may 
yet  see  her  error,  and  be  disposed  to  reward  so 
much  assiduity  and  attachment." 


64 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


"  My  services  shall  always  be  ready,  so  long 
as  they  can  be  useful  to  Alida  Barberie,"  returned 
the  young  officer  with  haste,  and  yet  a  little  cold- 
ly. "  It  will  be  time  enough  to  speak  of  the  re- 
ward when  we  shall  have  succeeded." 

"  The  less  noise  that  is  made  about  a  little 
domestic  inconvenience  like  this,  the  better  ;  and 
I  would  therefore  suggest  the  propriety  of  keeping 
our  suspicions  of  the  character  of  the  vessel  a 
secret,  until  we  shall  be  better  informed." 

The  captain  bowed  his  assent  to  the  proposal. 

"  And  now  that  we  are  of  the  same  mind  in 
the  preliminaries,  we  will  seek  the  Patroon  of 
Kinderhook,  who  has  a  claim  to  participate  in  our 
confidence." 

Myndert  then  led  the  way  from  the  empty  and 
melancholy  Cour  des  Fees,  with  a  step  that  had 
regained  its  busy  and  firm  tread,  and  a  counte- 
nance that  expressed  far  more  of  vexation  and 
weariness  than  of  real  sorrow. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

"—I'll  give  thee  a  wind. 
—Thou  art  kind. 
— And  I  another. 
— I  myself  have  all  the  other." 

Macbeth. 

The  cloud  above  the  mouth  of  the  Raritan  had 
not  risen.  On  the  contrary,  the  breeze  still  came 
from  off  the  sea ;  and  the  brigantine  in  the  cove, 
with  the  cruiser  of  the  queen,  still  lay  at  their  an- 
chors, like  two  floating  habitations  that  were  not 
intended  to  be  removed.  The  hour  was  that  at 
which  the  character  of  the  day  becomes  fixed ; 
and  there  was  no  longer  any  expectation  that  a 
land-wind  would  enable  the  vessel  of  the  free- 
trader to  repass  the  inlet  before  the  turn  of  the 
tide,  which  was  again  running  swiftly  on  the  flood. 

The  windows  of  the  Lust  in  Rust  were  open, 
as  when  its  owner  was  present ;  and  the  menials 
were  employed  in  and  about  the  villa  in  their  cus- 
tomary occupations ;  though  it  was  evident,  by 
the  manner  in  which  they  stopped  to  converse, 
and  by  the  frequent  conferences  which  had  place 
in  secret  corners,  that  they  wondered  none  the 
less  at  the  unaccountable  disappearance  of  their 
young  mistress.  In  all  other  respects,  the  villa 
and  its  grounds  were,  as  usual,  quiet  and  seeming- 
ly deserted. 

But  there  was  a  group  collected  beneath  the 
shade  of  an  oak  on  the  margin  of  the  cove,  and 
at  a  point  where  it  was  rare  for  man  to  be  seen. 
This  little  party  appeared  to  be  in  waiting  for 
some  expected  communication  from  the  brigan- 


tine ;  since  they  had  taken  post  on  the  side  of  the 
inlet  next  the  cape,  and  in  a  situation  so  retired 
as  to  be  entirely  hid  from  any  passing  observa- 
tion of  those  who  might  enter  or  leave  the  mouth 
of  the  Shrewsbury.  In  short,  they  were  on  the 
long,  low,  and  narrow  barrier  of  sand,  that  now 
forms  the  projection  of  the  Hook,  and  which,  by 
the  temporary  breach  that  the  cove  had  made 
between  its  own  waters  and  that  of  the  ocean,  was 
then  an  island. 

"  Snug  should  be  the  motto  of  a  merchant," 
observed  one  of  these  individuals,  whose  opinions 
will  sufficiently  announce  his  name  to  the  reader. 
"  He  should  be  snug  in  his  dealings,  and  snug  in 
his  manner  of  conducting  them  ;  snug  in  his  cred- 
its, and,  above  all,  snug  in  his  speculations. 
There  is  as  little  need,  gentlemen,  in  calling  in  the 
aid  of  a  posse-comitatus  for  a  sensible  man  to  keep 
his  household  in  order,  as  that  a  discreet  trader 
should  go  whistling  through  the  public  markets, 
with  the  history  of  his  operations.  I  gladly  court 
two  so  worthy  assistants  as  Captain  Cornelius 
Ludlow  and  Mr.  Oloff  Van  Staats ;  for  I  know 
there  will  be  no  useless  gossip  concerning  the 
trifling  derangement  that  hath  occurred.  Ah ! 
the  black  hath  had  communications  with  the  free- 
trader— always  supposing  the  opinion  of  Mr.  Lud- 
low concerning  the  character  of  the  vessel  to  be 
just — and  he  is  quitting  the  brigantine." 

Neither  of  the  companions  of  the  alderman 
made  any  reply.  Each  watched  the  movement  of 
the  skiff  that  contained  their  messenger,  and  each 
seemed  to  feel  an  equal  interest  in  the  result  of 
his  errand.  Instead,  however,  of  approaching  the 
spot  where  his  master  and  his  two  friends  ex- 
pected him,  the  negro,  though  he  knew  that  his 
boat  was  necessary  to  enable  the  party  to  recross 
the  inlet,  pulled  directly  for  the  mouth  of  the 
riyer — a  course  that  was  exactly  contrary  to  the 
one  he  was  expected  to  take. 

"  Rank  disobedience ! "  grumbled  the  incensed 
master.  u  The  irreverent  dog  is  deserting  us,  on 
this  neck  of  barren  sand,  where  we  are  cut  off 
from  all  communication  with  the  interior,  and  are  as 
completely  without  intelligence  of  the  state  of  the 
market,  and  other  necessaries,  as  men  in  a  desert ! " 

«» Here  comes  one  that  seems  disposed  to  bring 
us  to  a  parley,"  observed  Ludlow,  whose  prac- 
tised eye  had  first  detected  a  boat  quitting  the 
side  of  the  brigantine,  as  well  as  the  direction  it 
was  about  to  steer. 

The  young  commander  was  not  deceived ;  for 
a  light  cutter,  that  played  like  a  bubble  on  its 
element,  was  soon  approaching  the  shore,  where 
the  three  expectants  were  seated.  When  it  was 
near  enough  to  render  sight  perfectly  distinct,  and 


CAPTAIN  LUDLOW  DEMANDS  THE  NAME  OF  THE  BRIGANTINE. 


65 


speech  audible  without  an  effort,  the  crew  ceased 
rowing,  and  permitted  the  boat  to  lie  in  a  state 
of  rest.  The  mariner  of  the  India  shawl  then 
arose  in  the  stem-sheets,  and  examined  the  thicket 
behind  the  party  with  a  curious  and  suspicious 
eye.  After  a  sufficient  search,  he  signed  to  his 
I  crew  to  force  the  cutter  still  nigher  to  the  land, 
and  spoke: 

"  Who  has  affairs  with  any  of  the  brigantine  ?  " 
he  coolly  demanded,  wearing  the  air  of  one  who  had 
no  reason  to  anticipate  the  object  of  their  visit. 
"  She  has  little  left  that  can  turn  to  profit,  unless 
she  parts  with  her  beauty." 

"Truly,  good  stranger,"  returned  the  alder- 
man, laying  a  sufficient  emphasis  on  the  latter 
word,  "  here  are  none  disposed  to  a  traffic,  which 
might  not  be  pleasing  to  the  authorities  of  the 
country,  were  its  nature  known.  We  come  with 
a  desire  to  be  admitted  to  a  conference  with  the 
commander  of  the  vessel,  on  a  matter  of  especial 
but  private  concern." 

"  Why  send  a  public  officer  on  the  duty  ?  I 
see  one,  there,  in  the  livery  of  Queen  Anne.  We 
are  no  lovers  of  her  majesty's  servants,  and  would 
not  willingly  form  disagreeable  acquaintances." 

Ludlow  nearly  bit  through  his  lip,  in  endeav- 
oring to  repress  his  anger  at  the  cool  confidence 
of  one  who  had  already  treated  him  with  so  little 
ceremony,  and  then  momentarily  forgetting  his 
object,  in  professional  pride,  and  perhaps  we 
might  add  in  the  habits  of  his  rank,  he  inter- 
rupted the  dialogue : 

"  If  you  see  the  livery  of  the  royal  authority," 
he  said,  haughtily,  "you  must  be  sensible  it  is 
worn  by  one  who  is  commissioned  to  cause  its 
rights  to  be  respected.  I  demand  the  name  and 
character  of  yon  brigantine  !  " 

"  As  for  character,  she  is,  like  many  another 
beauty,  something  vituperated ;  nay,  some  carry 
their  envy  so  far  as  to  call  it  cracked  !  But  we 
are  jolly  mariners  that  sail  her,  and  little  heed 
crazy  reports  at  the  expense  of  our  mistress.  As 
for  a  name,  we  answer  any  hail  that  is  fairly 
spoken,  and  well  meant.  Call  us  '  Honesty,'  if 
you  will,  for  want  of  the  register." 

"There  is  much  reason  to  suspect  your  ves- 
sel of  illegal  practices  ;  and,  in  the  name  of  the 
queen,  I  demand  access  to  her  papers,  and  the 
liberty  of  a  free  search  into  her  cargo  and  crew. 
Else  will  there  be  necessity  to  bring  her  under  the 
guns  of  the  cruiser,  which  lies  at  no  great  distance, 
waiting  only  for  orders." 

"  It  takes  no  scholar  to  read  our  documents, 
Captain  Ludlow ;  they  are  written  by  a  light  keel 
on  the  rolling  waters,  and  he  who  follows  in  our 
wake  may  guess  at  their  authority.  If  you  wish 
5 


to  overhaul  our  cargo,  you  must  look  sharply  in 
to  the  cuffs  and  aprons,  the  negliges  and  stom- 
achers of  the  governor's  lady,  at  the  next  ball  at 
the  fort ;  or  pry  into  the  sail  that  is  set  above 
the  farthingales  of  the  wife  and  daughters  of  your 
admiralty  judge !  We  are  no  cheese-mongers,  to 
break  the  shins  of  a  boarding-officer  among  boxes 
and  butter-tubs." 

"  Your  brigantine  has  a  name,  sirrah ;  and, 
in  her  majesty's  authority,  I  demand  to  know 
it." 

"  Heaven  forbid  that  any  here  should  dispute 
the  queen's  right !  You  are  a  seaman,  Captain 
Ludlow,  and  have  an  eye  for  comeliness  in  a  craft, 
as  well  as  in  a  woman.  Look  at  those  harpings  ! 
There  is  no  fall  of  a  shoulder  can  equal  that 
curve,  in  grace  or  richness ;  this  shear  surpasses 
the  justness  and  delicacy  of  any  waist ;  and  there 
you  see  the  transoms,  swelling  and  rounded  like 
the  outlines  of  a  Yenus.  Ah  !  she  is  a  bewitching 
creature ;  and  no  wonder  that,  floating  as  she 
does,  on  the  seas,  they  should  have  called  her — " 

"  Water- Witch  !  "  said  Ludlow,  finding  that 
the  other  paused. 

"  You  deserve  to  be  one  of  the  sisterhood 
yourself,  Captain  Ludlow,  for  this  readiness  in 
divination ! " 

"Amazement  and  surprise,  patroon!"  ex- 
claimed Myndert,  with  a  tremendous  hem.  "  Here 
is  a  discovery  to  give  a  respectable  merchant 
more  uneasiness  than  the  undutiful  conduct  of 
fifty  nieces !  This  vessel  is  then  the  famous 
brigantine  of  the  notorious  Skimmer  of  the  Seas ! 
a  man  whose  misdeeds  in  commerce  are  as  uni- 
versally noted  as  the  stoppage  of  a  general  deal- 
er ! — Pray,  Master  Mariner,  do  not  distrust  our 
purposes.  We  do  not  come,  sent  by  any  authori- 
ty of  the  country,  to  pry  into  your  past  transac- 
tions, of  which  it  is  quite  unnecessary  for  you  to 
speak ;  and  far  less  to  indulge  in  any  unlawful 
thirst  of  gain,  by  urging  a  traffic  that  is  forbid- 
den by  the  law.  We  wish  solely  to  confer  with 
the  celebrated  free-trader  and  rover,  who  must, 
if  your  account  be  true,  command  the  vessel,  for 
a  few  minutes,  on  an  affair  of  common  interest  to 
the  three.  This  officer  of  the  queen  is  obliged, 
by  his  duty,  to  make  certain  demands  of  you, 
with  which  you  will  comply,  or  not,  at  your  own 
good  discretion  ;  and  since  her  majesty's  cruiser 
is  so  far  beyond  reach  of  bullet,  it  cannot  be 
expected  you  will  do  otherwise ;  but,  further  than 
that,  he  has  no  present  intention  to  proceed. — 
Parley  and  civilities  !  Captain  Ludlow,  we  must 
speak  the  man  fair,  or  he  will  leave  us  to  get  over 
the  inlet,  and  back  to  the  Lust  in  Rust,  as  we  may ; 
and  that  too,  as  empty-handed  as  we  came.  Re- 


66 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


member  our  stipulations,  without  observing  which 
I  shall  withdraw  from  the  adventure  altogether." 

Ludlow  bit  his  lip,  and  continued  silent.  The 
seaman  of  the  shawl,  or  Master  Tiller,  as  he  has 
been  more  than  once  called,  again  narrowly  ex- 
amined the  background,  and  caused  his  boat  to 
approach  so  near  the  land,  that  it  was  possible  to 
step  into  it  by  the  stern. 

"  Enter,"  he  said  to  the  captain  of  the  Coquette, 
who  needed  no  second  invitation  ;  "  enter,  for  a 
valuable  hostage  is  a  safe  pledge  in  a  truce. 
The  Skimmer  is  no  enemy  to  good  company ;  and 
I  have  done  justice  to  the  queen's  servitor,  by  in- 
troducing him  already,  by  name  and  character." 

"  Fellow,  the  success  of  your  deception  may 
cause  you  to  triumph  for  a  time  ;  but  remember 
that  the  Coquette — " 

"  Is  a  wholesome  boat,  whose  abilities  I  have 
taken,  to  the  admeasurement  of  her  moment-glass," 
observed  Tiller,  very  coolly  taking  the  words  out 
of  the  other's  mouth.  "  But  as  there  is  business 
to  be  done  with  the  Skimmer,  we  will  speak  more 
of  this  anon." 

The  mariner  of  the  shawl,  who  had  maintained 
his  former  audacious  demeanor,  now  became 
grave  ;  and  he  spoke  to  his  crew  with  authority, 
bidding  them  pull  the  boat  to  the  side  of  the  brig- 
antine. 

The  exploits,  the  mysterious  character,  and 
the  daring  of  the  Water- Witch,  and  of  him  who 
'  sailed  her,  were,  in  that  day,  the  frequent  subjects 
of  anger,  admiration,  and  surprise.  Those  who 
found  pleasure  in  the  marvellous,  listened  to  the 
wonders  that  were  recounted  of  her  speed  and 
boldness  with  pleasure ;  they  who  had  been  so 
often  foiled  in  their  attempts  to  arrest  the  hardy 
dealers  in  contraband,  reddened  at  her  name ; 
and  all  wondered  at  the  success  and  intelligence 
with  which  her  movements  were  controlled.  It 
will,  therefore,  create  no  astonishment  when  we 
say  that  Ludlow  and  the  patroon  drew  near  to 
the  light  and  graceful  fabric  with  an  interest  that 
deepened  at  each  stroke  of  the  oars.  So  much 
of  a  profession  which,  in  that  age,  was  particu- 
larly marked  and  apart  from  the  rest  of  mankind 
in  habits  and  opinions,  had  been  interwoven  into 
the  character  of  the  former,  that  he  could  not  see 
the  just  proportions,  the  graceful  outlines  of  the 
hull,  or  the  exquisite  symmetry  and  neatness  of 
the  spars  and  rigging,  without  experiencing  a 
feeling  somewhat  allied  to  that  which  undeniable 
superiority  excites  in  the  heart  of  even  a  rival. 
There  was  also  a  taste  in  the  style  of  the  merely 
ornamental  parts  of  the  delicate  machine,  which 
caused  as  much  surprise  as  her  model  and  rig. 
Seamen,  in  all  ages,  and  in  every  state  of  their 


art,  have  been  ambitious  of  bestowing  on  their 
floating  habitations  a  style  of  decoration  which, 
while  appropriate  to  their  element,  should  be 
thought  somewhat  analogous  to  the  architectural 
ornaments  of  the  land.  Piety,  superstition,  and 
national  usages,  affect  these  characteristic  orna- 
ments, which  are  still  seen,  in  different  quarters 
of  the  world,  to  occasion  broad  distinctions  be- 
tween the  appearances  of  vessels.  In  one,  the 
rudder-head  is  carved  with  the  resemblance  of 
some  hideous  monster;  another  shows  goggling 
eyes  and  lolling  tongues  from  its  catheads ;  this 
has  the  patron  saint,  or  the  ever-kind  Marie,  em- 
bossed upon  its  mouldings  or  bows ;  while  that  is 
covered  with  the  allegorical  emblems  of  country 
and  duty.  Few  of  these  efforts  of  nautical  art  are 
successful ;  though  a  better  taste  appears  to  be 
gradually  redeeming  even  this  branch  of  human 
industry  from  the  rubbish  of  barbarism,  and  to 
be  elevating  it  to  a  state  which  shall  do  no  vio- 
lence to  the  more  fastidious  opinions  of  the  age. 
But  the  vessel  of  which  we  write,  though  con- 
structed at  so  remote  a  period,  would  have  done 
credit  to  the  improvements  of  our  own  time. 

It  has  been  said  that  the  hull  of  this  celebrated 
smuggler  was  low,  dark,  moulded  with  exquisite 
art,  and  so  justly  balanced  as  to  ride  upon  its 
element  like  a  sea-fowl.  For  a  little  distance* 
above  the  water,  it  showed  a  blue  that  vied  with 
the  color  of  the  deep  ocean,  the  use  of  copper  be- 
ing then  unknown  ;  while  the  more  superior  parts 
were  of  a  jet  black,  delicately  relieved  by  two 
lines  of  a  straw-color,  that  were  drawn  with  mathe- 
matical accuracy,  parallel  to  the  plane  of  her  up- 
per works,  and  consequently  converging  slightly 
toward  the  sea,  beneath  her  counter.  Glossy 
hammock-cloths  concealed  the  persons  of  those 
who  were  on  the  deck,  while  the  close  bulwarks 
gave  the  brigantine  the  air  of  a  vessel  equipped 
for  war.  Still  the  eye  of  Ludlow  ran  curiously 
along  the  whole  extent  of  the  two  straw-colored 
lines,  seeking  in  vain  some  evidence  of  the  weight 
and  force  of  her  armament.  If  she  had  ports  at 
all,  they  were  so  ingeniously  concealed  as  to  es- 
cape the  keenest  of  his  glances.  The  nature  of 
the  rig  has  been  already  described.  Partaking 
of  the  double  character  of  brig  and  schooner,  the 
sails  and  spars  of  the  forward-mast  being  of  the 
former,  while  those  of  the  after-mast  were  of  the 
latter  construction,  seamen  have  given  to  this  class 
of  shipping  the  familiar  name  of  hermaphrodites. 
But  though  there  might  be  fancied  by  this  term, 
some  want  of  the  proportions  that  constitute  seem- 
liness,  it  will  be  remembered  that  the  departure 
was  only  from  some  former  rule  of  art,  and  that 
no  violence  had  been  done  to  those  universal  and 


A  VISIT  TO  THE  SMUGGLER. 


67 


permanent  laws  which  constitute  the  charm  of  Na- 
ture. The  models  of  glass  which  are  seen  repre- 
senting the  machinery  of  a  ship,  are  not  more  ex- 
act or  just  in  their  lines  than  were  the  cordage 
and  spars  of  this  brigantine.  Not  a  rope  varied 
from  its  true  direction ;  not  a  sail,  but  it  resem- 
bled the  neat  folds  of  some  prudent  housewife ; 
not  a  mast  or  a  yard  was  there  but  it  rose  into 
the  air,  or  stretched  its  arms,  with  the  most  fas- 
tidious attention  to  symmetry.  All  was  airy,  fan- 
ciful, and  full  of  grace,  seeming  to  lend  to  the  fab- 
ric a  character  of  unreal  lightness  and  speed.  As 
the  boat  drew  near  her  side,  a  change  of  the  air 
caused  the  buoyant  bark  to  turn  like  a  vane  in 
its  current;  and  as  all  the  long  and  pointed  pro- 
portions of  her  head-gear  came  into  view,  Ludlow 
saw  beneath  the  bowsprit  an  image  that  might 
be  supposed  to  make,  by  means  of  allegory,  some 
obvious  allusions  to  the  character  of  the  vessel. 
A  female  form,  fashioned  with  the  carver's  best 
skill,  stood  on  the  projection  of  the  cutwater. 
The  figure  rested  lightly  on  the  ball  of  one  foot, 
while  the  other  was  suspended  in  an  easy  attitude, 
resembling  the  airy  posture  of  the  famous  Mercu- 
ry of  the  Bolognese.  The  drapery  was  fluttering, 
scanty,  and  of  a  light  sea-green  tint,  as  if  it  had 
imbibed  a  hue  from  the  element  beneath.  The 
face  was  of  that  dark  bronzed  color  which  human 
ingenuity  has,  from  time  immemorial,  adopted  as 
the  best  medium  to  portray  a  superhuman  expres- 
sion. The  locks  were  dishevelled,  wild,  and  rich  ; 
the  eye  full  of  such  a  meaning  as  might  be  fan- 
cied to  glitter  in  the  organs  of  a  sorceress ;  while 
a  smile  so  strangely  meaning  and  malign  played 
about  the  mouth,  that  the  young  sailor  started 
when  it  first  met  his  view,  as  if  a  living  thing  had 
returned  his  look. 

"  Witchcraft  and  necromancy!  "  grumbled  the 
alderman,  as  this  extraordinary  image  came  sud- 
denly on  his  vision  also.  "  Here  is  a  brazen-look- 
ing hussy !  and  one  who  might  rob  the  queen's 
treasury  itself,  without  remorse  !  Your  eyes  are 
young,  patroon  ;  what  is  that  the  minx  holds  so 
impudently  above  her  head?  " 

"  It  seems  an  open  book,  with  letters  of  red 
written  on  its  pages.  One  need  not  be  a  con- 
jurer to  divine  it  is  no  extract  from  the  Bible." 

"  Nor  from  the  statute-books  of  Queen  Anne. 
I  warrant  me  'tis  a  leger  of  profit  gained  in  her 
many  wanderings.  Goggling  and  leers  !  the  bold 
air  of  the  confident  creature  is  enough  to  put  an 
honest  man  out  of  countenance  !  " 

"Wilt  read  the  motto  of  the  witch?"  de- 
manded he  of  the  India  shawl,  whose  eye  had 
been  studying  the  detail  of  the  brigantine's  equip- 
ment, rather  than  attending  to  the  object  which 


so  much  attracted  the  looks  of  his  companions. 
"  The  night  air  has  tautened  the  cordage  of  that 
flving  jib-boom,  fellows,  until  it  begins  to  lift  its 
nose  like  a  squeamish  cockney,  when  he  holds  it 
over  salt-water !  See  to  it,  and  bring  the  spar 
in  line ;  else  we  shall  have  a  reproof  from  the 
sorceress,  who  little  likes  to  have  any  of  her 
limbs  deranged.  Here,  gentlemen,  the  opinions 
of  the  lady  may  be  read  as  clearly  as  woman's 
mind  can  ever  be  fathomed." 

While  speaking  to  his  crew,  Tiller  had  changed 
the  direction  of  the  boat ;  and  it  was  soon  lying, 
in  obedience  to  a  motion  of  his  hand,  directly  be- 
neath the  wild  and  significant-looking  image  just 
described.  The  letters  in  red  were  now  distinct- 
ly visible ;  and  when  Alderman  Van  Beverout 
had  adjusted  his  spectacles,  each  of  the  party 
read  the  following  sentence  : 

"  Albeit  I  never  lend  nor  borrow, 
By  taking,  nor  by  giving  of  excess, 
Yet  to  supply  the  ripe  wants  of  my  friend, 
I'll  break  a  custom." 

Merchant  op  Venice. 

"  The  brazen  !  "  exclaimed  Myndert,  when  he 
had  gone  through  this  quotation  from  the  immor- 
tal bard.  u  Ripe  or  green,  one  could  not  wish  to 
be  the  friend  of  so  impudent  a  thing ;  and  then 
to  impute  such  sentiments  to  any  respectable 
commercial  man,  whether  of  Venice  or  Amster- 
dam !  Let  us  board  the  brigantine,  friend  mari- 
ner, and  end  the  connection  ere  foul  mouths  begin 
to  traduce  our  motives  for  the  visit." 

"  The  over-driven  ship  ploughs  the  seas  too 
deep  for  speed  ;  we  shall  get  into  port  in  better 
season  without  this  haste.  Wilt  take  another 
look  into  the  lady's  pages  ?  A  woman's  mind 
is  never  known  at  the  first  answer." 

The  speaker  raised  the  rattan  he  still  carried 
and  caused  a  page  of  painted  metal  to  turn  on 
hinges  that  were  so  artfully  concealed  as  not  to 
be  visible.  A  new  surface,  with  another  extract, 
was  seen. 

"  What  is  it,  what  is  it,  patroon  ?  "  demanded 
the  burgher,  who  appeared  greatly  to  distrust  the 
discretion  of  the  sorceress.  "  Follies  and  rhymes  ! 
but  this  is  the  way  of  the  whole  sex  ;  when  Na- 
ture has  denied  them  tongues,  they  invent  other 
means  of  speech." 

"  Porters  of  the  sea  and  land, 
Thus  do  go  about,  about ; 
Thrice  to  thine,  and  thrice  to  thine, 
And  thrice  again  to  make  up  nine." 

:'  Rank  nonsense  !  "  continued  the  burgher. 
"  It  is  well  for  those  who  can,  to  add  thrice  and 
thrice  to  their  stores;  but  look  you,  patroon — it 
is  a  thriving  trade  that  can  double  the  value  of 


68  THE  WAT.1 

the  adventure,  and  that  with  reasonable  risks, 
and  months  of  patient  watching." 

"  "We  have  other  pages,"  resumed  Tiller,  "  but 
our  affairs  drag  for  want  of  attending  to  them. 
One  may  read  much  good  matter  in  the  book  of 
the  sorceress,  when  there  is  leisure  and  opportu- 
nity. I  often  take  occasion,  in  the  calms,  to  look 
into  her  volume ;  and  it  is  rare  to  find  the  same 
moral  twice  told,  as  these  brave  seamen  can 
swear." 

The  mariners  at  the  oars  confirmed  this  as- 
sertion by  their  grave  and  believing  faces,  while 
their  superior  caused  the  boat  to  quit  the  place, 
and  the  image  of  the  Water- Witch  was  left  float- 
ing in  solitude  above  her  proper  element. 

The  arrival  of  the  cutter  produced  no  sensa- 
tion among  those  who  were  found  on  the  deck  of 
the  brigantine.  The  mariner  of  the  shawl  wel- 
comed his  companions  frankly  and  heartily ;  and 
then  he  left  them  for  a  minute  to  make  their  ob- 
servations, while  he  discharged  some  duty  in  the 
interior  of  the  vessel.  The  moments  were  not 
lost,  as  powerful  curiosity  induced  all  the  visitors 
to  gaze  about  them,  in  the  manner  in  which  men 
study  the  appearance  of  any  celebrated  object, 
that  has  long  been  known  only  by  reputation.  It 
was  quite  apparent  that  even  Alderman  Van  Be- 
verout  had  penetrated  farther  into  the  mysteries 
of  the  beautiful  brigantine,  than  he  had  ever  be- 
fore been.  But  it  was  Ludlow  who  gathered  most 
from  this  brief  opportunity,  and  whose  under- 
standing glances  so  rapidly  and  eagerly  ran  over 
all  that  a  seaman  could  wish  to  examine. 

An  admirable  neatness  reigned  in  every  part. 
The  planks  of  the  deck  resembled  the  work  of 
the  cabinet-maker,  rather  than  the  coarser  labor 
which  is  generally  seen  in  such  a  place;  and 
the  same  excellence  of  material,  and  exactness 
in  the  finish,  were  visible  in  the  ceilings  of 
the  light  bulwarks,  the  railings,  and  all  the  other 
objects  which  necessarily  came  conspicuously 
into  view,  in  the  construction  of  such  a  fabric. 
Brass  was  tastefully  rather  than  lavishly  used,  on 
many  of  those  parts  where  metal  was  necessary  ; 
and  the  paint  of  the  interior  was  everywhere  a  light 
and  delicate  straw-color.  Armament  there  was 
none,  or  at  least  none  visible  ;  nor  did  the  fifteen 
or  twenty  grave-looking  seamen,  who  were  silent- 
ly lounging  with  folded  arms,  about  the  .  vessel, 
appear  to  be  those  who  would  find  pleasure  in 
scenes  of  violence.  They  were,  without  an  ex- 
ception, men  who  had  reached  the  middle  age, 
of  weather-worn  and  thoughtful  countenances, 
many  of  them  even  showing  heads  that  had  be- 
gun to  be  grizzled  more  by  time  than  even  by  ex- 
posure.   Thus  much  Ludlow  had  been  enabled  to 


1R-WITCH. 

ascertain,  ere  they  were  rejoined  by  Tiller.  When 
the  latter  again  came  on  deck,  he  showed,  how- 
ever, no  desire  to  conceal  any  of  the  perfections 
of  his  habitation. 

"  The  wilful  sorceress  is  no  niggard  in  accom- 
modating her  followers,"  said  the  mariner,  observ- 
ing the  manner  in  which  the  queen's  officer  was 
employed.  "  Here,  you  see,  the  skimmer  keeps 
room  enough  for  an  admiral,  in  his  cabins ;  and 
the  fellows  are  berthed  aft,  far  beyond  the  fore- 
mast. Wilt  step  to  the  hatch,  and  look  be- 
low ?  " 

The  captain  and  his  companions  did  as  de- 
sired, and,  to  the  amazement  of  the  former,  he 
perceived  that,  with  the  exception  of  a  sort  of 
room  fitted  with  large  and  water-tight  lockers, 
which  were  placed  in  full  view,  all  the  rest  of  the 
brigantine  was  occupied  by  the  accommodations 
of  her  officers  and  crew. 

"  The  world  gives  us  the  reputation  of  free- 
traders," continued  Tiller,  smiling  maliciously ; 
"  but  if  the  Admiralty  Court  were  here,  big  wigs 
and  high  staffs,  judge  and  jury,  it  would  be  at  a 
loss  to  bring  us  to  conviction.  There  is  iron  to 
keep  the  lady  on  her  feet,  and  water,  with  some 
garnish  of  Jamaica,  and  the  wines  of  old  Spain 
and  the  islands,  to  cheer  the  hearts  and  cool  the 
mouths  of  my  fellows,  beneath  that  deck;  and 
more  than  that,  there  is  not.  We  have  stores 
for  the  table  and  the  breeze,  beyond  yon  bulk- 
head ;  and  here  are  lockers  beneath  you,  that  are 
— empty  !  See,  one  is  open ;  it  is  neat  as  any 
drawer  Jn  a  lady's  bureau.  This  is  no  place  for 
your  Dutchman's  strong  waters,  or  the  coarse 
sSins  of  your  tabacconist.  Odd's  my  life !  He 
who  would  go  on  the  scent  of  the  Water-Witch's 
lading,  must  follow  your  beauty  in  her  satins,  or 
your  parson  in  his  band  and  gown.  There  would 
be  much  lamentation  in  the  Church,  and  many  a 
heavy-hearted  bishop,  were  it  known  that  the 
good  craft  had  come  to  harm !  " 
.  "  There  must  be  an  end  to  this  audacious  tri- 
fling with  the  law,"  said  Ludlow  ;  "  and  the  time 
may  be  nearer  than  you  suppose." 

"  I  look  at  the  pages  of  the  lady's  book,  in 
the  pride  of  each  morning ;  for  we  have  it  aboard 
here,  that  when  she  intends  to  serve  us  foul,  she 
will  at  least  be  honest  enough  to  give  a  warning. 
The  mottoes  often  change,  but  her  words  are 
ever  true.  'Tis  hard  to  overtake  the  driving 
mist,  Captain  Ludlow,  and  he  must  hold  good  way 
with  the  wind  itself,  who  wishes  to  stay  long  in 
our  company." 

"Many  a  boastful  sailor  has  been  caught. 
The  breeze  that  is  good  for  the  light  of  draught, 
and  the  breeze  that  is  good  for  the  deep  keel,  are 


THE  INTERIOR  OF 


THE  BRIG  AN  TINE. 


69 


different.  You  may  live  to  learn  what  a  stout 
spar,  a  wide  arm,  and  a  steady  hull,  can  do." 

"  The  lady  of  the  wild  eye  and  wicked  smile 
protect  me !  I  have  seen  the  witch  buried  fathoms 
deep  in  brine,  and  the  glittering  water  falling 
from  her  tresses  like  golden  stars;  but  never 
have  I  read  an  untruth  in  her  pages.  There  is 
good  intelligence  between  her  and  some  on  board ; 
and,  trust  me,  she  knows  the  paths  of  the  ocean 
too  well  ever  to  steer  a  wrong  course.  But  we 
prate  like  gossiping  river-men. — Wilt  see  the 
Skimmer  of  the  Seas  ?  " 

"  Such  is  the  object  of  our  visit,"  returned 
Ludlow,  whose  heart  beat  violently  at  the  name 
of  the  redoubtable  rover.  "  If  you  are  not  he, 
bring  us  where  he  is." 

"  Speak  lower  ;  if  the  lady  under  the  bowsprit 
bear  such  treason  against  her  favorite,  I'll  not 
answer  for  her  good-will.  If  I  am  not  he  !  "  add- 
ed the  hero  of  the  India  shawl,  laughing  freely. 
"  "Well,  an  ocean  is  bigger  than  a  sea,  and  a  bay 
is  not  a  gulf.  You  shall  have  an  opportunity  of 
judging  between  us,  noble  captain,  and  then  I 
leave  opinions  to  each  man's  wisdom.  Follow." 

He  quitted  the  hatchway,  and  led  his  com- 
panions toward  the  accommodations  in  the  stern 
of  the  vessel. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

"  God  save  you,  sir ! 
And  you,  sir ;  you  are  welcome. 
Travel  you,  sir,  or  are  you  at  the  furthest  ? " 

Taming  of  the  Shkew, 

If  the  exterior  of  the  brigantine  was  so  grace- 
ful in  form  and  so  singular  in  arrangement,  the 
interior  was  still  more  worthy  of  observation. 
There  were  two  small  cabins  beneath  the  main- 
deck,  one  on  each  side  of,  and  immediately  ad- 
joining, the  limited  space  that  was  destined  to 
receive  her  light  but  valuable  cargoes.  It  was 
into  one  of  these  that  Tiller  had  descended  like 
a  man  who  freely  entered  into  his  own  apart- 
ment ;  but  partly  above,  and  nearer  to  the  stern, 
was  a  suite  of  little  rooms  that  were  fitted  and 
furnished  in  a  style  altogether  different.  The 
equipments  were  those  of  a  yacht,  rather  than  those 
which  might  be  supposed  suited  to  the  pleasures 
of  even  the  most  successful  dealer  in  contraband. 

The  principal  deck  had  been  sunk  several 
feet,  commencing  at  the  aftermost  bulkhead  of 
the  cabins  of  the  subordinate  officers,  in  a  man- 
ner to  give  the  necessary  height,  without  interfer- 
ing with  the  line  of  the  brigantine's  shear.  The 
'  arrangement  was  consequently  not  to  be  seen  by 


an  observer  who  was  not  admitted  into  the  ves- 
sel itself.  A  descent  of  a  step  or  two,  however, 
brought  the  visitors  to  the  level  of  the  cabin-floor, 
and  into  an  anteroom  that  was  evidently  fitted  for 
the  convenience  of  the  domestics.  A  small  silver 
hand-bell  lay  on  a  table,  and  Tiller  rang  it  lightly, 
like  one  whose  ordinary  manner  was  restrained 
by  respect.  It  was  answered  by  the  appearance 
of  a  boy,  whose  years  could  not  exceed  ten,  and 
whose  attire  was  so  whimsical  as  to  merit  descrip- 
tion. 

The  material  of  the  dress  of  this  young  servi- 
tor of  Neptune,  was  a  light  rose-colored  silk,  cut 
in  a  fashion  to  resemble  the  habits  formerly  worn 
by  pages  of  the  great.  His  body  was  belted  by  a 
band  of  gold,  a  collar  of  fine  thread  lace  floated 
on  his  neck  and  shoulders,  and  even  his  feet  were 
clad  in  a  sort  of  buskins,  that  were  ornamented 
with  fringes  of  real  lace  and  tassels  of  bullion. 
The  form  and  features  of  the  child  were"  delicate, 
and  his  air  as  unlike  as  possible  to  the  coarse 
and  brusque  manner  of  a  vulgar  ship-boy. 

"Waste  and  prodigality!"  muttered  the  al- 
derman, when  this  extraordinary  little  usher  pre- 
sented himself,  in  answer  to  the  summons  of  Tiller. 
"  This  is  the  very  wantonness  of  cheap  goods  and 
an  unfettered  commerce!  There  is  enough  of 
Mechlin,  patroon,  on  the  shoulders  of  that  urchin, 
to  deck  the  stomacher  of  the  queen.  'Fore  George, 
goods  were  cheap  in  the  market,  when  the  young 
scoundrel  had  his  livery  !  " 

The  surprise  was  not  confined,  however,  to 
the  observant  and  frugal  burgher.  Ludlow  and 
Yan  Staats  of  Kinderho ok  manifested  equal  amaze- 
ment, though  their  wonder  was  exhibited  in  a  less 
characteristic  manner.  The  former  turned  short 
to  demand  the  meaning  of  this  masquerade,  when 
he  perceived  that  the  hero  of  the  India  shawl  had 
disappeared.  They  were  then  alone  with  the  fan- 
tastic page,  and  it  became  necessary  to  trust  to 
his  intelligence  for  directions  how  to  proceed. 

"  Who  art  thou,  child  ? — and  who  has  sent 
thee  hither  ?  "  demanded  Ludlow.  The  boy  raised 
a  cap  of  the  same  rose-colored  silk,  and  pointed 
to  an  image  of  a  female,  with  a  swarthy  face 
and  a  malign  smile,  painted,  with  exceeding  art, 
on  its  front. 

"  I  serve  the  sea-green  lady,  with  the  others 
of  the  brigantine." 

"  And  who  is  this  lady  of  the  color  of  shallow 
water,  and  whence  come  you,  in  particular  ?  " 

"  This  is  her  likeness — if  you  would  speak 
with  her,  she  stands  on  the  cutwater,  and  rarely 
refuses  an  answer." 

"  'Tis  odd  that  a  form  of  wood  should  have 
the  gift  of  speech  ! " 


70 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


"Dost  think  her,  then,  of  wood?"  returned 
the  child,  looking  timidly,  and  yet  curiously,  up 
into  the  face  of  Ludlow.  "  Others  have  said  the 
same ;  but  those  who  know  best,  deny  it.  She 
does  not  answer  with  a  tongue,  but  the  book  has 
always  something  to  say." 

"  Here  is  a  grievous  deception  practised  on 
the  superstition  of  this  boy ;  I  have  read  the 
book,  and  can  make  but  little  of  its  meaning." 

"Then  read  again.  'Tis  by  many  reaches 
that  the  leeward  vessel  gains  upon  the  wind. 
My  master  has  bid  me  bring  you  in — " 

"  Hold — thou  hast  both  master  and  mistress  ? 
You  have  told  us  the  latter,  but  we  would  know 
something  of  the  former.    Who  is  thy  master  ?  " 

The  boy  smiled  and  looked  aside,  as  if  he  hes- 
itated to  answer. 

"  Nay,  refuse  not  to  reply.  I  come  with  the 
authority  of  the  queen." 

"  He  tells  us  that  the  sea-green  lady  is  our 
queen,  and  that  we  have  no  other." 

"  Rashness  and  rebellion  !  "  muttered  Myn- 
dert ;  "  but  this  foolhardiness  will  one  day  br  ing 
as  pretty  a  brigantine  as  ever  sailed  in  the  nar- 
row seas  to  condemnation ;  and  then  will  there 
be  rumors  abroad,  and  characters  cracked,  till 
every  lover  of  gossip  in  the  Americas  shall  be 
tired  of  defamation." 

"  It  is  a  bold  subject  that  dares  say  this  ! "  re- 
joined Ludlow,  who  heeded  not  the  by-play  of 
the  alderman ;  "  your  master  has  a  name  ?  " 

"  We  never  hear  it.  When  Neptune  boards 
us,  under  the  tropics,  he  always  hails  the  Skim- 
mer of  the  Seas,  and  then  they  answer.  The  old 
god  knows  us  well,  for  we  pass  his  latitude  often- 
er  than  other  ships,  they  say." 

"You  are  then  a  cruiser  of  some  service  in 
the  brigantine — no  doubt  you  have  trod  many 
distant  shores,  belonging  to  so  swift  a  craft." 

"  I ! — I  never  was  on  the  land  !  "  returned  the 
boy,  thoughtfully.  "  It  must  be  droll  to  be  there ; 
they  say  one  can  hardly  walk,  it  is  so  steady  !  I 
put  a  question  to  the  sea-green  lady  before  we 
came  to  the  narrow  inlet,  to  know  when  I  was  to 
go  ashore." 

"  And  she  answered  ?  " 

"  It  was  some  time  first.  Two  watches  were 
past  before  a  word  was  to  be  seen ;  at  last  I  got 
the  lines.  I  believe  she  mocked  me,  though  I 
have  never  dared  show  it  to  my  master,  that  he 
might  say." 

"  Hast  the  words  here  ? — perhaps  we  might 
assist  thee,  as  there  are  some  among  us  who  know 
most  of  the  sea-paths." 

The  boy  looked  timidly  and  suspiciously 
around  ;  then,  thrusting  a  hand  hurriedly  into  a 


pocket,  he  drew  forth  two  bits  of  paper,  each  of 
which  contained  a  scrawl,  and  both  of  which  had 
evidently  been  much  thumbed  and  studied. 

"  Here,"  he  said,  in  a  voice  that  was  suppressed 
nearly  to  a  whisper.  "  This  was  on  the  first 
page.  I  was  so  frightened,  lest  the  lady  should 
be  angry,  that  I  did  not  look  again  till  the  next 
watch;  and  then,"  turning  the  leaf,  "I  found 
this." 

Ludlow  took  the  bit  of  paper  first  offered, 
and  read,  written  in  a  child's  hand,  the  following 
extract  : 

"  I  pray  thee 
Eemember,  I  have  done  thee  worthy  service ; 
Told  thee  no  lies,  made  no  mistakings,  served 
"Without  or  grudge  or  grumblings.1' 

"  I  thought  that  'twas  in  mockery,"  continued 
the  boy,  when  he  saw  by  the  eye  of  the  young  cap- 
tain that  he  had  read  the  quotation  ;  "  for  'twas 
very  like,  though  more  prettily  worded,  than  that 
which  I  had  said  myself! " 

"And  what  was  the  second  answer?  " 

"This  was  found  in  the  first  morning-watch," 
the  child  returned,  reading  the  second  extract 
himself: 

"  Thou  think'st 
It  much  to  tread  the  ooze  of  the  salt  deep, 
And  run  upon  the  sharp  wind  of  the  north  1 " 

"  I  never  dared  to  ask  again.  But  what  mat- 
ters that  ?  They  say  the  ground  is  rough  and 
difficult  to  walk  on  ;  that  earthquakes  shake  it, 
and  make  holes  to  swallow  cities ;  that  men  slay 
each  other  op  the  highways  for  money,  and  that 
the  houses  I  see  on  the  hills  must  always  remain 
in  the  same  spot.  It  must  be  very  melancholy  to 
live  always  in  the  same  spot ;  but  then  it  must  be 
odd  never  to  feel  a  motion ! " 

"Except  the  occasional  rocking  of  an  earth- 
quake. Thou  art  better  afloat,  child — but  thy 
master,  this  Skimmer  of  the  Seas — " 

"  — Hist !  "  whispered  the  boy,  raising  a  fin- 
ger for  silence.  "  He  has  come  up  into  the  great 
cabin.  In  a  moment,  we  shall  have  his  signal  to 
enter." 

A  few  light  touches  on  the  strings  of  a  guitar 
followed,  and  then  a  symphony  was  rapidly  and 
beautifully  executed,  by  one  in  the  adjoining 
apartment. 

"  Alida,  herself,  is  not  more  nimble-fingered," 
whispered  the  alderman  ;  "  and  I  never  heard  the 
girl  touch  the  Dutch  lute,  that  cost  a  hundred 
Holland  guilders,  with  a  livelier  movement !  " 

Ludlow  signed  for  silence.  A  fine,  manly 
voice,  of  great  richness  and  depth,  was  soon 
heard,  singing  to  an  accompaniment  on  the  same 
instrument.  The  air  was  grave,  and  altogether 
unusual  for  the  social  character  of  one  who  dwelt 


THE  MAIS  CABIN. 


71 


upon  the  ocean,  being  chiefly  in  recitative.  The 
words,  as  near  as  might  be  distinguished,  ran  as 
follows : 

"  My  brigantine  1 
Just  in  thy  mould,  and  beauteous  in  thy  form, 
Gentle  in  roll,  and  buoyant  on  the  surge, 
Light  as  the  sea-fowl,  rocking  in  the  storm, 
In  breeze  and  gale,  thy  onward  course  we  urge ; 

My  water-queen ! 

"  Lady  of  mine ! 
More  light  and  swift  than  thou,  none  thread  the  sea, 
With  surer  keel,  or  steadier  on  its  path  : 
We  brave  each  waste  of  ocean-mystery, 
And  laugh  to  hear  the  howling  tempest's  wrath ! 

For  we  are  thine  1 

"  My  brigantine  1 
Trust  to  the  mystic  power  that  points  thy  way, 
Trust  to  the  eye  that  pierces  from  afar, 
Trust  the  red  meteors  that  around  thee  play, 
And  fearless  trust  the  sea-green  lady's  star; 

Thou  bark  divine  ! " 

"He  often  sings  thus,"  whispered  the  boy, 
when  the  song  was  ended  ;  "  they  say,  the  sea- 
green  lady  loves  music  that  tells  of  the  ocean, 
and  of  her  power. — Hark  !  he  has  bid  me  enter." 

"He  did  but  touch  the  strings  of  the  guitar 
again,  boy." 

"  'Tis  his  signal,  when  the  weather  is  fair. 
When  we  have  the  whistlings  of  the  wind  and 
the  roar  of  the  water,  then  he  has  a  louder  call." 

Ludlow  would  have  gladly  listened  longer ; 
but  the  boy  opened  a  door,  and,  pointing  the  way 
to  those  he  conducted,  he  silently  vanished  him- 
self,  behind  a  curtain. 

The  visitors,  more  particularly  the  young  com- 
mander of  the  Coquette,  found  new  subjects  of 
admiration  and  wonder,  on  entering  the  main 
cabin  of  the  brigantine.  The  apartment,  consid- 
ering the  size  of  the  vessel,  was  spacious  and 
high.  It  received  light  from  a  couple  of  windows 
in  the  stern,  and  it  was  evident  that  two  smaller 
rooms,  one  on  each  of  the  quarters,  shared  with 
it  in  this  advantage.  The  space  between  these 
state-rooms,  as  they  are  called  in  nautical  language, 
necessarily  formed  a  deep  alcove,  which  might  be 
separated  from  the  outer  portion  of  the  cabin  by 
a  curtain  of  crimson  damask,  that  now  hung  in 
festoons  from  a  beam  fashioned  into  a  gilded  cor- 
nice. A  luxuriously -looking  pile  of  cushions, 
covered  with  red  morocco,  lay  along  the  transom, 
in  the  manner  of  an  Eastern  divan  ;  and  against 
the  bulkhead  of  each  state-room  stood  an  agrip- 
pina  of  mahogany,  that  was  lined  with  the  same 
material.  Neat  and  tasteful  cases  for  books  were 
suspended  here  and  there ;  and  the  guitar  which 
had  so  lately  been  used,  lay  on  a  small  table  of 
some  precious  wood,  that  occupied  the  centre  of 


the  alcove.  There  were  also  other  implements, 
like  those  which  occupy  the  leisure  of  a  cultivated 
but  perhaps  an  effeminate  rather  than  a  vigorous 
mind,  scattered  around,  some  evidently  long  neg- 
lected, and  others  appearing  to  have  been  more 
recently  in  favor. 

The  outer  portion  of  the  cabin  was  furnished 
in  a  similar  style,  though  it  contained  many  more 
of  the  articles  that  ordinarily  belong  to  domestic 
economy.  It  had  its  agrippina,  its  piles  of  cush- 
ions, its  chairs  of  beautiful  wood,  its  cases  for 
books,  and  its  neglected  instruments,  intermixed 
with  fixtures  of  more  solid  and  permanent  appear- 
ance, which  were  arranged  to  meet  the  violent 
motion  that  was  often  unavoidable  in  so  small  a 
bark.  There  was  a  slight  hanging  of  crimson 
damask  around  the  whole  apartment ;  and,  here 
and  there,  a  small  mirror  was  let  into  the  bulk- 
heads and  ceilings.  All  the  other  parts  were  of 
a  rich  mahogany,  relieved  by  panels  of  rosewood, 
that  gave  an  appearance  of  exquisite  finish  to  the 
cabin.  The  floor  was  covered  with  a  mat  of  the 
finest  texture,  and  of  a  fragrance  that  announced 
both  its  freshness,  and  the  fact  that  the  grass  had 
been  the  growth  of  a  warm  and  luxuriant  climate. 
The  place,  as  was  indeed  the  whole  vessel,  so  far 
as  the  keen  eye  of  Ludlow  could  detect,  was  en- 
tirely destitute  of  arms,  not  even  a  pistol  or  a 
sword  being  suspended  in  those  places  where  weap- 
ons of  that  description  are  usually  seen  in  all  ves- 
sels employed  either  in  war  or  in  a  trade  that 
might  oblige  those  who  sail  them  to  deal  in  vio- 
lence. 

In  the  centre  of  the  alcove  stood  the  youthful- 
looking  and  extraordinary  person  who,  in  so  un- 
ceremonious a  manner,  had  visited  la  Cour  des 
Fees  the  preceding  night.  His  dress  was  much 
the  same,  in  fashion  and  material,  as  when  last 
seen ;  still,  it  had  been  changed ;  for  on  the 
breast  of  the  silken  frock  was  painted  an  image 
of  the  sea-green  lady,  done  with  exquisite  skill, 
and  in  a  manner  to  preserve  the  whole  of  the 
wild  and  unearthly  character  of  the  expression. 
The  wearer  of  this  singular  ornament  leaned  light- 
ly against  the  little  table,  and,  as  he  bowed  with 
entire  self-possession  to  his  guests,  his  face  was 
lighted  with  a  smile  that  seemed  to  betray  melan- 
choly no  less  than  courtesy.  At  the  same  time 
he  raised  his  cap,  and  stood  in  the  rich  jet-black 
locks  with  which  Nature  had  so  exuberantly 
shaded  his  forehead. 

The  manner  of  the  visitors  was  less  easy. 
The  deep  anxiety  with  which  both  Ludlow  and 
the  patroon  had  undertaken  to  board  the  notori- 
ous smuggler,  had  given  place  to  an  amazement 
and  a  curiosity  that  caused  them  nearly  to  forget 


72 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


their  errand  ;  while  Alderman  Van  Beverout  ap- 
peared shy  and  suspicious,  manifestly  thinking 
-  less  of  his  niece  than  of  the  consequences  of  so 
remarkable  an  interview.  They  all  returned  the 
salutation  of  their  host,  though  each  waited  for 
him  to  speak. 

"  They  tell  me  I  have  the  pleasure  to  receive 
a  commander  of  Queen  Anne's  service,  the  wealthy 
and  honorable  Patroon  of  Kinderhook,  and  a 
most  worthy  and  respectable  member  of  the  city 
corporation,  known  as  Alderman  Yan  Beverout," 
commenced  the  individual  who  did  the  honors  of 
the  vessel  on  this  occasion.  "  It  is  not  often  that 
my  poor  brigantine  is  thus  favored,  and,  in  the 
name  of  my  mistress,  I  would  express  our  thanks." 

As  he  ceased  speaking,  he  bowed  again  with 
ceremonious  gravity,  as  if  all  were  equally  stran- 
gers to  him ;  though  the  young  man  saw  plainly 
that  a  smothered  smile  played  about  a  mouth  that 
even  they  could  not  refuse  the  praise  of  being  of 
rare  and  extraordinary  attraction. 

"As  we  have  but  one  mistress,"  said  Ludlow, 
"it  is  our  common  duty  to  wish  to  do  her  pleas- 
ure." 

"  I  understand  you,  sir.  It  is  scarce  neces- 
sary to  say,  however,  that  the  wife  of  George  of 
Denmark  has  little  authority  here.  Forbear,  I 
pray  you,"  he  added  quickly,  observing  that  Lud- 
low was  about"  to  answer.  "  These  interviews 
with  the  servants  of  that  lady  are  not  unfrequent ; 
and  as  I  know  other  matters  have  sent  you  hither, 
we  will  imagine  all  said  that  a  vigilant  officer  and 
a  most  loyal  subject  could  utter  to  an  outlaw  and 
a  trifler  with  the  regulations  of  the  customs. 
That  controversy  must  be  settled  between  us  under 
our  canvas,  and  by  virtue  of  our  speed  or  other 
professional  qualities,  at  proper  time  and  in  a 
proper  place.  We  will  now  touch  on  different 
matters." 

"I  think  the  gentleman  is  right,  patroon. 
When  matters  are  ripe  for  the  exchequer  there  is 
no  use  in  worrying  the  lungs  with  summing  up 
the  testimony,  like  a  fee'd  advocate.  Twelve  dis- 
creet men,  who  have  bowels  of  compassion  for 
the  vicissitudes  of  trade,  and  who  know  how  hard 
it  is  to  earn,  and  how  easy  it  is  to  spend,  will  deal 
with  the  subject  better  than  all  the  idle  talkers 
in  the  provinces." 

"  When  confronted  to  the  twelve  disinterested 
Daniels,  I  shall  be  fain  to  submit  to  their  judg- 
ment," rejoined  the  other,  still  suffering  the  wil- 
ful smile  to  linger  around  his  lips.  "You,  sir,  I 
think,  are  called  Mr.  Myndert  Yan  Beverout.  To 
what  fall  in  peltry,  or  what  rise  in  markets,  do 
I  owe  the  honor  of  this  visit  ?  " 

"It  is  said  that  some  from  this  vessel  were  so 


bold  as  to  land  on  my  grounds,  during  the  past 
night,  without  the  knowledge  and  consent  of  their 
owner — you  will  observe  the  purport  of  our  dis- 
course, Mr.  Yan  Staats,  for  it  may  yet  come  be- 
for  the  authorities — as  I  said,  sir,  without  their 
owner's  knowledge,  and  that  there  were  dealings 
in  articles  that  are  contraband  of  law,  unless  they 
enter  the  provinces  purified  and  embellished  by 
the  air  of  the  queen's  European  dominions — God 
bless  her  majesty  !  " 

"Amen. — That  which  quitteth  the  Water- 
Witch  commonly  comes  purified  by  the  air  of 
many  different  regions.  We  are  no  laggards  in 
movement,  here  ;  and  the  winds  of  Europe  scarce- 
ly cease  to  blow  upon  our  sails,  before  we  scent 
the  gales  of  America.  But  this  is  rather  excheq- 
uer matter,  to  be  discussed  before  the  twelve 
merciful  burghers,  than  entertainment  for  such 
a  visit." 

"  I  open  with  the  facts,  that  there  may  be  no 
errors.  But  in  addition  to  so  foul  an  imputation 
on  the  credit  of  a  merchant,  there  has  a  great  ca- 
lamity befallen  me  and  my  household,  during  the 
past  night.  The  daughter  and  heiress  of  old 
Etienne  de  Barberie  has  left  her  abode,  and  we 
have  reason  to  think  that  she  has  been  deluded 
so  far  as  to  come  hither.  Faith  and  correspond- 
ence! Master  Seadrift;  but  I  think  this  is  ex- 
ceeding the  compass  of  even  a  trader  in  contra- 
band !  I  can  make  allowances  for  some  errors  in. 
an  account ;  but  women  can  be  exported  and  im- 
ported without  duty,  and  when  and  where  one 
pleases,  and  therefore  the  less  necessity  for  run- 
ning them  out  of  their  old  uncle's  habitation  in 
so  secret  a  manner." 

"  An  undeniable  position,  and  a  feeling  con- 
clusion !  I  admit  the  demand  to  be  made  in  all 
form,  and  I  suppose  these  two  gentlemen  are  to 
be  considered  as  witnesses  of  its  legality." 

"We  have  come  to  aid  a  wronged  and  dis- 
tressed relative  and  guardian,  in  searching  for  his 
misguided  ward,"  Ludlow  answered. 

The  free-trader  turned  his  eyes  on  the  pa- 
troon, who  signified  his  assent  by  a  silent  bow. 

"  'Tis  well,  gentlemen ;  I  also  admit  the  tes- 
timony. But,  though  in  common  believed  so 
worthy  a  subject  for  justice,  I  have  hitherto  had 
but  little  direct  communication  with  the  blind 
deity.  Do  the  authorities  usually  give  credit  to 
these  charges  without  some  evidence  of  their 
truth  ?  " 

"  Is  it  denied  ? " 

"  You  are  still  in  possession  of  your  senses, 
Captain  Ludlow,  and  may  freely  use  them.  But 
this  is  an  artifice  to  divert  pursuit.  There  are 
other  vessels  besides  the  brigantine,  and  a  capri- 


MYSTERY. 


73 


cious  fair  may  have  sought  a  protector  even  un- 
der a  pennant  of  Queen  Anne ! " 

"  This  is  a  truth  that  has  been  but  too  obvi- 
ous to  my  mind,  Mr.  Van  Beverout,"  observed  the 
sententious  patroon.  "  It  would  have  been  well 
to  have  ascertained  whether  she  we  seek  has  not 
taken  some  less  exceptionable  course  than  this, 
before  we  hastily  believe  that  your  niece  would  so 
easily  become  the  wife  of  a  stranger." 

"Has  Mr.  Yan  Staats  any  hidden  meaning 
in  his  words,  that  he  speaks  ambiguously?" 
demanded  Ludlow. 

"A  man  conscious  of  his  good  intentions, 
has  little  occasion  to  speak  equivocally.  I  be- 
lieve, with  this  reputed  smuggler,  that  la  belle 
Barberie  would  be  more  likely  to  fly  with  one  she 
has  long  known,  and  whom  I  fear  she  has  but  too 
well  esteemed,  than  with  an  utter  stranger,  over 
whose  life  there  is  cast  a  shade  of  so  dark  mys- 
tery." 

"  If  the  impression  that  the  lady  could  yield 
her  esteem  with  too  little  discretion  be  any  ex- 
cuse for  suspicions,  then  may  I  advise  a  search 
in  the  manor  of  Kinderhook  ! " 

"  Consent  and  joy  !  The  girl  need  not  have 
stolen  to  church  to  become  the  bride  of  Oloff  Yan 
Staats  ! "  interrupted  the  alderman.  "  She  should 
have  had  my  benediction  on  the  match,  and  a* fat 
gift  to  give  it  unction." 

"  These  suspicions  are  but  natural,  between 
men  bent  on  the  same  object,"  resumed  the  free- 
trader. "  The  officer  of  the  queen  thinks  a  glance 
of  the  eye,  from  a  wilful  fair,  means  admiration 
of  broad  lands  and  rich  meadows ;  and  the  lord 
of  the  manor  distrusts  the  romance  of  warlike 
service,  and  the  power  of  an  imagination  which 
roams  the  sea.  Still  may  I  ask,  what  is  there 
here,  to  tempt  a  proud  and  courted  beauty  to  for- 
get station,  sex,  and  friends  ?  " 

"  Caprice  and  vanity !  There  is  no  answering 
for  a  woman's  mind !  Here  we  bring  articles, 
at  great  risk  and  heavy  charges,  from  the  farther 
Indies  to  please  their  fancies,  and  they  change 
their  modes  easier  than  the  beaver  casts  his  coat. 
Their  conceits  sadly  unsettle  trade,  and  I  know 
not  why  they  may  not  cause  a  wilful  girl  to  do 
any  other  act  of  folly." 

"This  reasoning  seems  conclusive  with  the 
uncle.    Do  the  suitors  assent  to  its  justice  ?  " 

The  Patroon  of  Kinderhook  had  stood  gazing, 
iong  and  earnestly,  at  the  countenance  of  the  ex- 
traordinary being  who  asked  this  question.  A 
movement,  which  bespoke  equally  his  conviction 
and  his  regret,  escaped  him,  but  he  continued  si- 
lent. Not  so  Ludlow.  Of  a  more  ardent  tempera- 
ment, though  equally  sensible  of  the  temptation 


which  had  caused  Alida  to  err,  and  as  keenly 
alive  to  all  the  consequences  to  herself,  as  well  as 
to  others,  there  was  something  of  professional 
rivalry  and  of  an  official  right  to  investigate, 
which  still  mingled  with  his  feelings.  He  had 
found  time  to  examine  more  closely  the  articles 
that  the  cabin  contained,  and  when  their  singular 
host  put  his  question,  he  pointed,  with  an  ironical 
but  mournful  smile,  to  a  footstool  richly  wrought 
in  flowers  of  tints  and  shades  bo  just  as  to  seem 
natural, 

"  This  is  no  work  of  a  sail-maker's  needle ! " 
said  the  captain  of  the  Coquette.  "  Other  beau- 
ties have  been  induced  to  pass  an  idle  hour  in 
your  gay  residence,  hardy  mariner ;  but,  sooner 
or  later,  judgment  will  overtake  the  light-heeled 
craft." 

"  On  the  wind,  or  off,  she  must  some  day  lag, 
as  we  seamen  have  it !  Captain  Ludlow,  I  excuse 
some  harshness  of  construction,  that  your  lan- 
guage might  imply ;  for  it  becomes  a  commissioned 
servant  of  the  crown  to  use  freedom  with  one 
who,  like  the  lawless  companion  of  the  princely 
Hal,  is  but  too  apt  to  propose  to  1  rob  me  the 
king's  exchequer.'  But,  sir,  this  brigantine  and 
her  character  are  little  known  to  you.  We  have 
no  need  of  truant  damsels,  to  let  us  into  the  mys- 
tery of  the  sex's  taste ;  for  a  female  spirit  guides 
all  our  humors,  and  imparts  something  of  her 
delicacy  to  all  our  acts,  even  though  it  be  the 
fashion  among  burghers  to  call  them  lawless. 
See,"  throwing  a  curtain  carelessly  aside,  and  ex- 
hibiting, behind  it,  various  articles  of  womanly 
employment,  "  here  are  the  offspring  of  both  pen- 
cil and  needle.  The  sorceress,"  touching  the  im- 
age on  his  breast,  "will  not  be  entertained, 
without  some  deference  to  her  sex." 

"This  affair  must  be  arranged,  I  see,  by 
a  compromise,"  observed  the  alderman. — "  By 
your  leave,  gentlemen,  I  will  make  proposals  in 
private  to  this  bold  trader,  who  perhaps  will  listen 
to  the  offers  I  have  to  propose." 

"Ah !  This  savors  more  of  the  spirit  of  trade 
than  of  that  of  the  sea-goddess  I  serve,"  cried  the 
other,  causing  his  fingers  to  run  lightly  over  the 
strings  of  the  guitar.  "  Compromise  and  offers 
are  sounds  that  become  a  burgher's  lips. — My 
tricksy  spirit,  commit  these  gentlemen  to  the  care 
of  bold  Thomas  Tiller,  while  I  confer  with  the 
merchant.  The  character  of  Mr.  Yan  Beverout, 
Captain  Ludlow,  will  protect  us  both  from  the 
suspicion  of  any  designs  on  the  revenue  ! " 

Laughing  at  his  own  allusion,  the  free-trader 
signed  to  the  boy,  who  had  appeared  from  behind 
a  curtain,  to  show  the  disappointed  suitors  of  la 
belle  Barberie  into  another  part  of  the  vessel. 


74 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


"Foul  tongues  and  calumnies!  Master  Sea- 
drift,  this  unlawful  manner  of  playing  round  busi- 
ness, after  accounts  are  settled  and  receipts  passed, 
may  lead  to  other  loss  besides  that  of  character. 
The  commander  of  the  Coquette  is  not  more  than 
half  satisfied  of  my  ignorance  of  your  misdoings 
in  behalf  of  the  customs,  already  ;  and  these  jokes 
are  like  so  many  punches  into  a  smouldering  fire 
on  a  dark  night.  They  only  give  light,  and  cause 
people  to  seethe  clearer — though,  Heaven  knows, 
no  man  has  less  reason  to  dread  an  inquiry  into 
his  affairs  than  myself !  I  challenge  the  best  ac- 
countant in  the  colonies  to  detect  a  false  footing, 
or  a  doubtful  entry,  in  any  book  I  have,  from  the 
memorandum  to  the  ledger." 

"  The  Proverbs  are  not  more  sententious,  nor 
the  Psalms  half  as  poetical,  as  your  library.  But 
why  this  secret  parley? — The  brigantine  has  a 
swept  hold." 

"  Swept  ?  Brooms  and  Yan  Tromp  !  Thou 
hast  swept  the  pavilion  of  my  niece  of  its  mis- 
tress, no  less  than  my  purse  of  its  johannes.  This 
is  carrying  a  little  innocent  barter  into  a  most 
forbidden  commerce,  and  I  hope  the  joke  is  to 
end  before  the  affair  gets  to  be  sweetening  to  the 
tea  of  the  province  gossips.  Such  a  tale  would 
affect  the  autumn  importation  of  sugars  ! " 

"  This  is  more  vivid  than  clear.  You  have 
my  laces  and  velvets ;  my  brocades  and  satins  are 
already  in  the  hands  of  the  Manhattan  dames ; 
and  your  furs  and  johannes  are  safe  where  no 
boarding-officer  from  the  Coquette — " 

"  Well,  there  is  no  need  of  speaking-trumpets 
to  tell  a  man  what  he  knows  already,  to  his  cost ! 
I  should  expect  no  less  than  bankruptcy  from 
two  or  three  such  bargains,  and  you  wish  to  add 
loss  of  character  to  loss  of  gold.  Bulkheads 
have  ears  in  a  ship,  as  well  as  walls  in  houses.  I 
wish  no  more  said  of  the  trifling  traffic  that 
has  been  between  us.  If  I  lose  a  thousand 
florins  by  the  operation,  I  shall  know  how  to  be 
resigned.  Patience  and  afflictions  !  Have  I  not 
buried  as  full-fed  and  promising  a  gelding  this 
morning,  as  ever  paced  a  pavement,  and  has  any 
man  heard  a  complaint  from  my  lips  ?  I  know 
how  to  meet  losses,  I  hope ;  and  so  no  more  of  an 
unlucky  purchase." 

"  Truly,  if  it  be  not  for  trade,  there  is  little  in 
common  between  the  mariners  of  the  brigantine 
and  Alderman  Van  Beverout." 

"  The  greater  the  necessity  thou  shouldst  end 
this  silly  joke,  and  restore  his  niece.  I  am  not  sure 
the  affair  can  be  at  all  settled  with  either  of  these 
hot-headed  young  men,  though  I  should  even 
offer  to  throw  in  a  few  thousands  more,  by  way 
of  make-weight.    When  female  reputation  gets 


a  bad  name  in  the  market,  'tis  harder  to  dispose  of 
than  falling  stock ;  and  your  young  lords  of  manors 
and  commanders  of  cruisers  have  stomachs  like 
usurers ;  no  percentage  will  satisfy  them ;  it 
must  be  all  or  nothing  !  There  was  no  such  fool- 
ery in  the  days  of  thy  worthy  father !  The  hon- 
est trafficker  brought  his  cutter  into  port  with  as 
innocent  a  look  as  a  mill-boat.  We  had  our  dis- 
courses on  the  qualities  of  his  wares,  when  here 
was  his  price  and  there  was  my  gold.  Odd  or 
even !  It  was  all  a  chance  which  had  the  best 
of  the  bargain.  I  was  a  thriving  man  in  those 
days,  Master  Seadrift ;  but  thy  spirit  seems  the 
spirit  of  extortion  itself !  " 

There  was  momentarily  contempt  on  the  lip 
of  the  handsome  smuggler,  but  it  disappeared  in 
an  expression  of  evident  and  painful  sadness. 

"  Thou  hast  softened  my  heart,  ere  now,  most 
liberal  burgher,"  he  answered,  "  by  these  allusions 
to  my  parent ;  and  many  is  the  doubloon  that  I 
have  paid  for  his  eulogies." 

"  I  speak  as  disinterestedly  as  a  parson 
preaches!  What  is  a  trifle  of  gold  between 
friends  ?  Yes,  there  was  happiness  in  trade  dur- 
ing the  time  of  thy  predecessor.  He  had  a 
comely  and  a  deceptive  craft,  that  might  be  lik- 
ened to  an  untrimmed  racer.  There  was  motion 
in  it,  at  need,  and  yet  it  had  the  air  of  a  leisurely 
Amsterdammer.  I  have  known  an  exchequer 
cruiser  hail  him,  and  ask  the  news  of  the  famous 
free-trader,  with  as  little  suspicion  as  he  would 
have  in  speaking  the  lord  high-admiral.  There 
were  no  fooleries  in  his  time  ;  no  unseemly  hus- 
sies stuck  under  his  bowsprit,  to  put  an  honest  man 
out  of  countenance ;  no  high-fliers  in  sail  and 
paint ;  no  singing  and  luting — but  all  was  rational 
and  gainful  barter.  Then,  he  was  a  man  to 
ballast  his  boat  with  something  valuable.  I  have 
known  him  throw  in  fifty  ankers  of  gin,  with- 
out a  farthing  for  freight,  when  a  bargain  has 
been  struck  for  the  finer  articles— ay,  and  finish 
by  landing  them  in  England,  for  a  small  premium, 
when  the  gift  was  made  ! " 

"  He  deserves  thy  praise,  grateful  alderman  ; 
but  to  what  conclusion  does  this  opening  tend  ?  " 

"  Well,  if  more  gold  must  pass  between  us," 
continued  the  reluctant  Myndert,  "  we  shall  not 
waste  time  in  counting  it ;  though,  Heaven  knows, 
Master  Seadrift,  thou  hast  already  drained  me  dry. 
Losses  have  fallen  heavy  on  me,  of  late.  There 
is  a  gelding,  dead,  that  fifty  Holland  ducats  will 
not  replace  on  the  boom-key  of  Rotterdam,  to 
say  nothing  of  freight  and  charges,  which  come 
particularly  heavy — " 

"  Speak  to  thy  offer ! "  interrupted  the  other, 
who  evidently  wished  to  shorten  the  interview. 


THE  SECRET 

"  Restore  the  girl,  and  take  five-and-twenty 
thin  pieces." 

"  Half-price  for  a  Flemish  gelding !  La  belle 
would  blush,  with  honest  pride,  did  she  know  her 
value  in  the  market !  " 

" Extortion  and  bowels  of  compassion!  Let 
it  be  a  hundred,  and  no  further  words  between 
us." 

"Harkee,  Mr.  Van  Beverout ;  that  I  some- 
times trespass  on  the  queen's  earnings  is  not  to 
be  denied,  and  least  of  all  to  you ;  for  I  like 
neither  this  manner  of  ruling  a  nation  by  deputy, 
nor  the  principle  which  says  that  one  bit  of 
earth  is  to  make  laws  for  another.  'Tis  not  my 
humor,  sir,  to  wear  an  English  cotton  when  my 
taste  is  for  the  Florentine ;  nor  to  swallow  beer, 
when  I  more  relish  the  delicate  wines  of  Gascony. 
Beyond  this,  thou  knowest  I  do  not  trifle,  even 
with  fancied  rights  ;  and,  had  I  fifty  of  thy  nieces, 
sacks  of  ducats  should  not  purchase  one ! " 

The  alderman  started  in  a  manner  that  might 
have  induced  a  spectator  to  believe  he  was  lis- 
tening to  an  incomprehensible  proposition.  Still 
his  companion  spoke  with  a  warmth  that  gave 
him  no  small  reason  to  believe  he  uttered  no  more 
than  he  felt,  and,  inexplicable  as  it  might  prove, 
that  he  valued  treasure  less  than  feeling. 

"  Obstinacy  and  extravagance !  "  muttered 
Myndert ;  "  what  use  can  a  troublesome  girl  be 
to  one  of  thy  habits  ?    If  thou  hast  deluded — " 

"  I  have  deluded  none.  The  brigantine  is 
not  an  Algerine,  to  ask  and  take  ransom." 

"  Then  let  it  submit  to  what  I  believe  it  is  yet 
a  stranger.  If  thou  hast  not  enticed  my  niece 
away,  by,  Heaven  knows,  a  most  vain  delusion ! 
let  the  vessel  be  searched.  This  will  make  the 
minds  of  the  young  men  tranquil,  and  keep  the 
treaty  open  between  us,  and  the  value  of  the 
article  fixed  in  the  market." 

"  Freely — but  mark  !  If  certain  bales  con- 
taining worthless  furs  of  martens  and  beavers, 
with  other  articles  of  thy  colony  trade,  should 
discover  the  character  of  my  correspondents,  I 
stand  exonerated  of  all  breach  of  faith." 

"  There  is  prudence  in  that.  Yes,  there  must 
be  no  impertinent  eyes  peeping  into  bales  and 
packages.  Well,  I  see,  Master  Seadrift,  the  im- 
possibility of  immediately  coming  to  an  under- 
standing ;  and  therefore  I  will  quit  thy  vessel, 
for  truly  a  merchant  of  reputation  should  have 
no  unnecessary  connection  with  one  so  suspected." 

The  free-trader  smiled,  partly  in  scorn,  and 
yet  much  in  sadness,  and  passed  his  fingers  over 
the  strings  of  the  guitar. 

"Show  this  worthy  burgher  to  his  friends, 
Zephyr,"  he  said  ;  and,  bowing  to  the  alderman, 


CONFERENCE.  75 

he  dismissed  him  in  a  manner  that  betrayed  a 
singular  compound  of  feeling.  One  quick  to  dis- 
cover the  traces  of  human  passion,  might  have 
fancied  that  regret,  and  even  sorrow,  was  blended 
with  the  natural  or  assumed  recklessness  of  the 
smuggler's  air  and  language. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

"This  will  prove  a  brave  kingdom  to  me ; 
"Where  I  shall  have  my  music  for  nothing." 

Tempest. 

During  the  time  passed  in  the  secret  confer- 
ence of  the  cabin,  Ludlow  and  the  patroon  were 
held  in  discourse  on  the  quarter-deck  by  the  hero 
of  the  India  shawl.  The  dialogue  was  profes- 
sional, as  Van  Staats  maintained  his  ancient  rep- 
utation for  taciturnity.  The  appearance  of 
Myndert,  thoughtful,  disappointed,  and  most  evi- 
dently perplexed,  caused  the  ideas  of  all  to  take 
a  new  direction.  It  is  probable  that  the  burgher 
believed  he  had  not  yet  bid  enough  to  tempt  the 
free-trader  to  restore  his  niece ;  for  by  his  air  it 
was  apparent  his  mind  was  far  from  being  satis- 
fied that  she  was  not  in  the  vessel.  Still,  when 
questioned  by  his  companions  concerning  the  re- 
sult of  his  interview  with  the  free-trader,  for  rea- 
sons best  understood  by  himself,  he  was  fain  to 
answer  evasively. 

"  Of  one  thing  rest  satisfied,"  he  said  ;  "  the 
misconception  in  this  affair  will  yet  be  explained, 
and  Alida  Barberie  return  unfettered,  and  with 
a  character  as  free  from  blemish  as  the  credit  of 
the  Yan  Stoppers  of  Holland.  The  fanciful-looking 
person  in  the  cabin  denies  that  my  niece  is  here, 
and  I  am  inclined  to  think  the  balance  of  truth 
is  on  his  side.  I  confess,  if  one  could  just  look 
into  the  cabins,  without  the  trouble  of  rummaging 
lockerg  and  cargo,  the  statement  would  give  more 
satisfaction ;  but — hem — gentlemen,  we  must  take 
the  assertion  on  credit,  for  want  of  more  suffi- 
cient security." 

Ludlow  looked  at  the  cloud  above  the  mouth 
of  the  Raritan,  and  his  lip  curled  in  a  smile. 

"  Let  the  wind  hold  here,  at  east,"  he  said, 
"  and  we  shall  act  our  pleasure  with  both  lockers 
and  cabins." 

"Hist!  the  worthy  Master  Tiller  may  over- 
hear this  threat — after  all,  I  do  not  know  wheth- 
er prudence  does  not  tell  us  to  let  the  brigantine 
depart." 

"  Mr.  Alderman  Yan  Beverout,"  rejoined  the 
captain,  whose  cheek  had  reddened  to  a  glow, 
"  my  duty  must  not  be  gauged  by  your  affection  for 


76 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


your  niece.  Though  content  that  Alida  Barberie 
should  quit  the  country,  like  an  article  of  vulgar 
commerce,  the  commander  of  this  vessel  must  get 
a  passport  of  her  majesty's  cruiser  ere  she  again 
enter  the  high-sea." 

"  Wilt  say  as  much  to  the  sea-green  lady  ?  " 
asked  the  mariner  of  the  shawl,  suddenly  appear- 
ing at  his  elbow. 

The  question  was  so  unexpected  and  so  strange 
that  it  caused  an  involuntary  start ;  but,  recover- 
ing his  recollection  on  the  instant,  the  young  sail- 
or haughtily  replied : 

"  Or  to  any  other  monster  thou  canst  conjure." 

"  We  will  take  you  at  the  word.  There  is  no 
more  certain  method  of  knowing  the  past  or  the 
future,  the  quarter  of  the  heavens  from  which  the 
winds  are  to  come,  or  the  season  of  the  hurri- 
canes, than  by  putting  a  question  to  our  mistress. 
She  who  knows  so  much  of  hidden  matters  may 
tell  us  what  you  wish  to  know.  Wo  will  have 
her  called  by  the  usual  summons." 

Thus  saying,  the  mariner  of  the  shawl  grave- 
ly quitted  his  guests,  and  descended  into  the 
inferior  cabins  of  the  vessel.  It  was  but  a  mo- 
ment before  there  arose  sounds  from  some  se- 
cret though  not  distant  quarter  of  the  brigantine, 
that  caused,  in  some  measure,  both  surprise  and 
pleasure  to  Ludlow  and  the  patroon.  Their  com- 
panion had  his  motives  for  being  insensible  to 
either  of  these  emotions. 

After  a  short  and  rapid  symphony,  a  wind- 
instrument  took  up  a  wild  strain,  while  a  hu- 
man voice  was  again  heard  chanting  to  the  music 
words  which  were  so  much  involved,  by  the  com- 
position of  the  air,  as  to  render  it  impossible  to 
trace  more  than  that  their  burden  was  a  sort  of 
mysterious  incantation  of  some  ocean  deity. 

"  Squeaking  and  flutes !  "  grumbled  Myndert, 
ere  the  last  sounds  were  fairly  ended.  "  This  is 
downright  heathenish  ;  and  a  plain-dealing  man, 
who  does  business  above-board,  has  good  reason 
to  wish  himself  honestly  at  church.  What  have 
we  to  do  with  land-witches,  or  water-witches,  or 
any  other  witchcraft,  that  we  stay  in  the  brigan- 
tine, now  it  is  known  that  my  niece  is  not  to  be 
found  aboard  her ;  and,  moreover,  even  admitting 
that  we  were  disposed  to  traffic,  the  craft  has  noth- 
ing in  her  that  a  man  of  Manhattan  should  want. 
The  deepest  bog  of  thy  manor,  patroon,  is  safer 
ground  to  tread  on  than  the  deck  of  a  vessel  that 
has  got  a  reputation  like  that  of  this  craft." 

The  scenes  of  which  he  was  a  witness  had 
produced  their  effect  on  Van  Staats  of  Kinder- 
hook.  Of  a  slow  imagination,  but  of  a  powerful 
and  vast  frame,  he  was  not  easily  excited,  either 
to  indulge  in  fanciful  images,  or  to  suffer  personal 


apprehension.  Only  a  few  years  had  passed  since 
men,  who  in  other  respects  were  enlightened,  firm- 
ly believed  in  the  existence  of  supernatural  agen- 
cies in  the  control  of  the  affairs  of  this  life ;  and 
though  the  New-Netherlanders  had  escaped  the 
infatuation  which  prevailed  so  generally  in  the 
religious  provinces  of  New  England,  a  credulous 
superstition,  of  a  less  active  quality,  possessed  the 
minds  of  the  most  intelligent  of  the  Dutch  colo- 
nists, and  even  of  their  descendants  so  lately  as  in 
our  own  times.  The  art  of  divination  was  par- 
ticularly in  favor;  and  it  rarely  happened  that 
any  inexplicable  event  affected  the  fortunes  or 
comforts  of  the  good  provincialists,  without  their 
having  recourse  to  some  one  of  the  more  renowned 
fortune-tellers  of  the  country  for  an  explanation. 
Men  of  slow  faculties  love  strong  excitement,  be- 
cause they  are  insensible  to  less  powerful  impulses, 
as  men  of  hard  heads  find  most  enjoyment  in 
strong  liquors.  The  patroon  was  altogether  of 
the  sluggish  cast ;  and  to  him  there  was  conse- 
quently a  secret  but  deep  pleasure  in  his  present 
situation. 

"  What  important  results  may  flow  from  this 
adventure,  we  know  not,  Mr.  Alderman  Van  Be- 
verout,"  returned  Oloff  Van  Staats  ;  "  and  I  con- 
fess a  desire  to  see  and  hear  more,  before  we 
land.  This  Skimmer  of  the  Seas  is  altogether  a 
different  man  from  what  our  rumors  in  the  city 
have  reported ;  and,  by  remaining,  we  may  set 
public  opinion  nearer  to  the  truth.  I  have  heard 
my  late  venerable  aunt — " 

"  Chimney-corners  and  traditions  !  The  good 
lady  was  no  bad  customer  of  these  gentry,  pa- 
troon ;  and  it  is  lucky  that  they  got  no  more  of  thy 
inheritance,  in  the  way  of  fees.  You  see  the  Lust 
in  Rust  against  the  mountain  there ;  well,  all 
that  is  meant  for  the  public  is  on  the  outside,  and 
all  that  is  intended  for  my  own  private  gratifica- 
tion is  kept  within-doors. — But  here  is  Captain 
Ludlow,  who  has  matters  of  the  queen  on  his 
hands,  and  the  gentleman  will  find  it  disloyal  to 
waste  the  moments  in  this  juggling." 

"  I  confess  the  same  desire  to  witness  the 
end,"  dryly  returned  the  commander  of  the  Co- 
quette. "  The  state  of  the  wind  prevents  any 
immediate  change  in  the  positions  of  the  two 
vessels ;  and  why  not  get  a  further  insight  into 
the  extraordinary  character  of  those  who  belong 
to  the  brigantine  ?  " 

"Ay,  there  it  is  ! "  muttered  the  alderman  be- 
tween his  teeth.  "  Tour  insights  and  outsights 
lead  to  all  the  troubles  of  life.  One  is  never 
snug  with  these  fantastics,  which  trifle  with  a 
secret,  like  a  fly  fluttering  round  a  candle,  until 
his  wings  get  burnt." 


A  VISIT  TO  THE 

As  his  companions  seemed  resolved  to  stay, 
however,  there  remained  no  alternative  for  the 
burgher  but  patience.  Although  apprehension 
of  some  indiscreet  exposure  was  certainly  the 
feeling  uppermost  in  his  miud,  he  was  not  entirely 
without  some  of  the  weakness  which  caused  OlofF 
Van  Staats  to  listen  and  to  gaze  with  so  much  ob- 
vious interest  and  secret  awe.  Even  Ludlow 
himself  felt  more  affected  than  he  would  have 
willingly  owned,  by  the  extraordinary  situation  in 
which  he  was  placed.  No  man  is  entirely  insen- 
sible to  the  influence  of  sympathy,  let  it  exert  its 
power  in  what  manner  it  will.  Of  this  the  young 
sailor  was  the  more  conscious,  through  the  effect 
that  was  produced  on  himself,  by  the  grave  ex- 
terior and  attentive  manner  of  all  the  mariners 
of  the  brigantine.  He  was  a  seaman  of  no  mean 
accomplishments  ;  and,  among  other  attainments 
that  properly  distinguish  men  of  his  profession, 
he  had  learned  to  know  the  country  of  a  sailor, 
by  those  general  and  distinctive  marks  which 
form  the  principal  difference  between  men  whose 
common  pursuit  has  in  so  great  a  degree  created 
a  common  character.  Intelligence,  at  that  day, 
was  confined  to  narrow  limits  among  those  who 
dwelt  on  the  ocean.  Even  the  officer  was  but  too 
apt  to  be  one  of  rude  and  boisterous  manners,  of 
limited  acquirements,  and  of  deep  and  obstinate 
prejudices.  No  wonder,  then,  that  the  commonman 
was,  in  general,  ignorant  of  most  of  those  opin- 
ions which  gradually  enlighten  society.  Ludlow 
had  seen,  on  entering  the  vessel,  that  her  crew 
was  composed  of  men  of  different  countries.  Age 
and  personal  character  seemed  to  have  been  more 
consulted,  in  their  selection,  than  national  distinc- 
tions. There  was  a  Finlander,  with  a  credulous 
and  oval  physiognomy,  sturdy  but  short  frame,  and 
a  light  vacant  eye ;  and  a  dark-skinned  seaman  of 
the  Mediterranean,  whose  classical  outline  of  feat- 
ure was  often  disturbed  by  uneasy  and  sensitive 
glances  at  the  horizon.  These  two  men  had  come 
and  placed  themselves  near  the  group  on  the 
quarter-deck,  when  the  last  music  was  heard ;  and 
Ludlow  had  ascribed  the  circumstance  to  a  sen- 
sibility to  melody,  when  the  child  Zephyr  stole 
to  their  side,  in  a  manner  to  show  that  more  was 
meant  by  the  movement  than  was  apparent  in  the 
action  itself.  The  appearance  of  Tiller,  who  in- 
vited the  party  to  reenter  the  cabin,  explained 
its  meaning,  by  showing  that  these  men,  like 
themselves,  had  business  with  the  being  who,  it 
was  pretended,  had  so  great  an  agency  in  control- 
ling the  fortunes  of  the  brigantine. 

The  party,  who  now  passed  into  the  little  ante- 
room, was  governed  by  very  different  sensations. 
The  curiosity  of  Ludlow  was  lively,  fearless,  and 


SEA-GREEN  LADY.  77 

a  little  mingled  with  an  interest  that  might  be 
termed  professional ;  while  that  of  his  two  com- 
panions was  not  without  some  inward  reverence 
for  the  mysterious  power  of  the  sorceress.  The 
two  seamen  manifested  dull  dependence,  while 
the  boy  exhibited,  in  his  ingenuous  and  half- 
terrified  countenance,  most  unequivocally  the  in- 
fluence of  childish  awe.  The  mariner  of  the 
shawl  was  grave,  silent,  and,  what  was  unusual 
in  his  deportment,  respectful.  After  a  moment's 
delay,  the  door  of  the  inner  apartment  was  opened 
by  Seadrift  himself,  and  he  signed  for  the  whole 
to  enter. 

A  material  change  had  been  made  in  the  ar- 
rangement of  the  principal  cabin.  The  light  was 
entirely  excluded  from  the  stern,  and  a  crimson 
curtain  had  been  lowered  before  the  alcove.  A 
small  window,  whose  effect  was  to  throw  a  dim 
obscuri  ty  within,  had  been  opened  in  the  side. 
The  objects  on  which  its  light  fell  the  strongest, 
received  a  soft  covering  from  the  hues  of  the 
hangings. 

The  free-trader  received  his  guests  with  a 
chastened  air,  bowing  silently,  and  with  less  of 
levity  in  his  mien  than  in  the  former  interview. 
Still  Ludlow  thought  there  lingered  a  forced  but 
sad  smile  about  his  handsome  mouth ;  and  the 
patroon  gazed  at  his  fine  features,  with  the  ad- 
miration that  one  might  feel  for  the  most  favored 
of  those  who  were  believed  to  minister  at  some 
supernatural  shrine.  The  feelings  of  the  alder- 
man were  exhibited  only  by  some  half-suppressed 
murmurs  of  discontent,  that  from  time  to  time  es- 
caped him,  notwithstanding  a  certain  degree  of 
reverence,  that  was  gradually  prevailing  over  his 
ill-concealed  dissatisfaction. 

"  They  tell  me,  you  would  speak  with  our  mis- 
tress," said  the  principal  personage  of  the  vessel,  in 
a  subdued  voice.  "  There  are  others,  too,  it  would 
seem,  who  wish  to  seek  counsel  from  her  wisdom. 
It  is  now  many  months  since  we  have  had  direct 
converse  with  her,  though  the  book  is  ever  open 
to  all  applicants  for  knowledge.  You  have  nerves 
for  the  meeting  ?  " 

"  Her  majesty's  enemies  have  never  reproached 
me  with  their  want,"  returned  Ludlow,  smiling 
incredulously.  "  Proceed  with  your  incantations, 
that  we  may  know." 

"  We  are  not  necromancers,  sir,  but  faithful 
mariners,  who  do  their  mistress's  pleasure.  I 
know  that  you  are  skeptical ;  but  bolder  men 
have  confessed  their  mistakes,  with  less  testimony. 
Hist !  we  are  not  alone.  I  hear  the  opening  and 
shutting  of  the  brigantine's  transoms." 

The  speaker  then  fell  back  nearly  to  the  line 
in  which  the  others  had  arranged  themselves,  and 


78 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


awaited  the  result  in  silence.  The  curtain  rose 
to  a  low  air  on  the  same  wind-instrument ;  and 
even  Ludlow  felt  an  emotion  more  powerful  than 
interest,  as  he  gazed  on  the  object  that  was  re- 
vealed to  view. 

A  female  form,  attired,  as  near  as  might  be, 
like  the  figure-head  of  the  vessel,  and  standing 
in  a  similar  attitude,  occupied  the  centre  of  the 
alcove.  As  in  the  image,  one  hand  held  a  book 
with  its  page  turned  toward  the  spectators,  while 
a  finger  of  the  other  pointed  ahead,  as  if  giving 
to  the  brigantine  its  course.  The  sea-green  dra- 
pery was  floating  behind,  as  if  it  felt  the  influence 
of  the  air ;  and  the  face  had  the  same  dark  and 
unearthly  hue,  with  its  malign  and  remarkable 
smile. 

When  the  start  and  the  first  gaze  of  astonish- 
ment were  over,  the  alderman  and  his  companions 
glanced  their  eyes  at  each  other  in  wonder.  The 
smile  on  the  look  of  the  free-trader  became  less 
hidden,  and  it  partook  of  triumph. 

"  If  any  here  has  aught  to  say  to  the  lady  of 
our  bark,  let  him  now  declare  it.  She  has  come 
far,  at  our  call,  and  will  not  tarry  long." 

"  I  would  then  know,"  said  Ludlow,  drawing 
a  heavy  breath,  like  one  recovering  from  some 
sudden  and  powerful  sensation,  u  if  she  I  seek 
be  within  the  brigantine  ?  " 

He  who  acted  the  part  of  mediator  in  this 
extraordinary  ceremony,  bowed  and  advanced  to 
the  book,  which,  with  an  air  of  deep  reverence, 
he  consulted,  reading,  or  appearing  to  read,  from 
its  pages. 

"  You  are  asked  here,  in  return  for  that  you 
inquire,  if  she  you  seek  is  sought  in  sincerity  ?  " 

Ludlow  reddened ;  the  manliness  of  the  profes- 
sion to  which  he  belonged,  however,  overcame 
the  reluctance  natural  to  self-esteem  ;  and  he  an- 
swered, firmly : 

"  She  is." 

"But  you  are  a  mariner;  men  of  the  sea 
place  their  affections,  often,  on  the  fabric  in 
which  they  dwell.  Is  the  attachment  for  her  you 
seek  stronger  than  love  of  wandering,  of  your 
ship,  your  youthful  expectations,  and  the  glory 
that  forms  a  young  sailor's  dreams  ?  " 

The  commander  of  the  Coquette  hesitated. 
After  a  moment  of  pause,  like  that  of  self-exami- 
nation, he  said  : 

"  As  much  so  as  may  become  a  man." 

A  cloud  across  the  brow  of  his  interrogator, 
who  advanced  and  again  consulted  the  pages  of 
the  book. 

"  You  are  required  to  say,  if  a  recent  event 
has  not  disturbed  your  confidence  in  her  you 
seek  ?  " 


"  Disturbed — but  not  destroyed." 

The  sea-green  lady  moved,  and  the  pages  of 
the  mysterious  volume  trembled,  as  if  eager  to 
deliver  their  oracles. 

14  And  could  you  repress  curiosity,  pride,  and 
all  the  other  sentiments  of  your  sex,  and  seek 
her  favor,  without  asking  explanation,  as  before 
the  occurrence  of  late  events  ? " 

"  I  would  do  much  to  gain  a  kind  look  from 
Alida  de  Barberie ;  but  the  degraded  spirit,  of 
which  you  speak,  would  render  me  unworthy 
of  her  esteem.  If  I  found  her  as  I  lost  her,  my 
life  should  be  devoted  to  her  happiness  ;  if  not, 
to  mourning  that  one  so  fair  should  have  fall- 
en!" 

"  Have  you  ever  felt  jealousy  ?  " 

"  First  let  me  know  if  I  have  cause  ! "  cried 
the  young  man,  advancing  a  step  toward  the  mo- 
tionless form  with  an'evident  intent  to  look  closer 
into  its  character. 

The  hand  of  the  mariner  of  the  shawl  arrested 
him  with  the  strength  of  a  giant. 

"  None  trespass  on  the  respect  due  our  mis- 
tress," coolly  observed  the  vigorous  seaman, 
while  he  motioned  to  the  other  to  retreat. 

A  fierce  glance  shot  from  his  eye  ;  and  then 
the  recollection  of  his  present  helplessness  came, 
in  season,  to  restrain  the  resentment  of  the  offend- 
ed officer. 

"  Have  you  ever  felt  jealousy  ?  "  continued 
his  undisturbed  interrogator. 

"  Would  any  love,  that  have  not  ?  " 

A  gentle  respiration  was  heard  in  the  cabin, 
during  the  short  pause  that  succeeded,  though 
none  could  tell  whence  it  came.  The  alderman 
turned  to  regard  the  patroon,  as  if  he  believed 
the  sign  was  his  ;  while  the  startled  Ludlow  looked 
curiously  around  him,  at  a  loss  to  know  who  ac- 
knowledged, with  so  much  sensibility,  the  truth 
of  his  reply. 

"  Your  answers  are  well,"  resumed  the  free- 
trader, after  a  pause  longer  than  usual.  Then, 
turning  to  Oloff  Yan  Staats,  he  said,  "  Whom  or 
what  do  you  seek  ?  " 

"  We  come  on  a  common  errand." 

"  And  do  you  seek  in  all  sincerity?  " 

"  I  could  wish  to  find." 

u  You  are  rich  in  lands  and  houses ;  is  she  you 
seek  dear  to  you  as  this  wealth  ?  " 

"  I  esteem  them  both,  since  one  could  not 
wish  to  tie  a  woman  he  admired  to  beggary." 

The  alderman  hemmed  so  loud  as  to  fill  the 
cabin,  and  then,  startled  at  his  own  interruption, 
he  involuntarily  bowed  an  apology  to  the  motion- 
less form  in  the  alcove,  and  regained  his  compos- 
ure. 


CONSULTING 

"  There  is  more  of  prudence  than  of  ardor  in 
your  answer.    Have  you  ever  felt  jealousy  ?  " 

"  That  has  he  ! "  eagerly  exclaimed  Myndert. 
"I've  known  the  gentleman  raving  as  a  bear  that 
has  lost  its  cub,  when  my  niece  has  smiled,  in 
church,  for  instance,  though  it  were  only  in  an- 
swer to  a  nod  from  an  old  lady.  Philosophy  and 
composure,  patroon  !  Who  the  devil  knows  but 
Alida  may  hear  of  this  questioning  ? — and  then 
her  French  blood  will  boil,  to  find  that  your 
love  has  always  gone  as  regularly  as  the  town- 
clock." 

"  Could  you  receive  her  without  inquiring  into 
past  events  ?  " 

"  That  would  he — that  would  he !  "  returned 
the  alderman.  "  I  answer  for  it,  that  Mr.  Yan 
Staats  complies  with  all  engagements  as  punctu- 
ally as  the  best  house  in  Amsterdam  itself." 

The  book  again  trembled,  but  it  was  with  a 
waving  and  dissatisfied  motion. 

"  What  is  thy  will  with  our  mistress  ?  "  de- 
manded the  free-trader,  of  the  fair-haired  sailor. 

"  I  have  bargained  with  some  of  the  dealers 
of  my  country,  for  a  wind  to  carry  the  brigantine 
through  the  inlet." 

"  Go. — The  Water- Witch  will  sail  when  there 
is  need — and  you  ?  " 

"  I  wish  to  know  whether  a  few  skins  I  bought 
last  night,  for  a  private  venture,  will  turn  to  good 
account  ?  " 

"  Trust  the  sea-green  lady  for  your  profits. 
When  did  she  ever  let  any  fail  in  a  bargain ! — 
Child,  what  has  brought  thee  hither  ?  " 

The  boy  trembled,  and  a  little  time  elapsed 
before  he  found  resolution  to  answer. 

"  They  tell  me  it  is  so  queer  to  be  upon  the 
land !  " 

"  Sirrah  !  thou  hast  been  answered.  When 
others  go,  thou  shalt  go  with  them." 

"  They  say  'tis  pleasant  to  taste  the  fruits 
from  off  the  very  trees — " 

"  Thou  art  answered. — Gentlemen,  our  mis- 
tress departs.  She  knows  that  one  among  you 
has  threatened  her  favorite  brigantine  with  the 
anger  of  an  earthly  queen ;  but  it  is  beneath  her 
office  to  reply  to  threats  so  idle.  Hark  !  her  at- 
tendants are  in  waiting  ?  " 

The  wind-instrument  was  once  more  heard, 
and  the  curtain  slowly«fell  to  its  strains.  A  sud- 
den and  violent  noise,  resembling  the  opening 
and  shutting  of  some  massive  door,  succeeded — 
then  all  was  still.  When  the  sorceress  had  dis- 
appeared, the  free-trader  resumed  his  former  ease 
of  manner,  seeming  to  speak  and  act  more  natu- 
rally. Alderman  Van  Beverout  drew  a  long 
breath,  like  one  relieved ;  and  even  the  mariner 


THE  ORACLE.  ?9 

of  the  gay  shawl  stood  in  an  easier  and  more 
reckless  attitude  than  while  in  her  presence. 
The  two  seamen  and  the  child  withdrew. 

"Few  who  wear  that  livery  have  ever  before 
seen  the  lady  of  our  brigantine,"  continued  the 
free-trader,  addressing  himself  to  Ludlow ;  "  and 
it  is  proof  that  she  has  less  aversion  to  your  cruis- 
er than  she  in  common  feels  to  most  of  the  long 
pennants  that  are  abroad  on  the  water." 

"Thy  mistress,  thy  vessel,  and  thyself,  are 
alike  amusing ! "  returned  the  young  seaman, 
again  smiling  incredulously,  and  with  some  little 
official  pride.  "  It  will  be  well,  if  you  maintain 
this  pleasantry  much  longer,  at  the  expense  of 
her  majesty's  customs." 

"  We  trust  to  the  power  of  the  Water-Witch. 
She  has  adopted  our  brigantine  as  her  abode, 
given  it  her  name,  and  guides  it  with  her  hand, 
'Twould  be  weak  to  doubt,  when  thus  protected." 

"  There  may  be  occasion  to  try  her  virtues. 
Were  she  a  spirit  of  the  deep  waters,  her  robe 
would  be  blue.  Nothing  of  a  light  draught  can 
escape  the  Coquette  ? " 

"  Dost  not  know  that  the  color  of  the  sea  dif- 
fers in  different  climes  ?  We  fear  not,  but  you 
would  have  answers  to  your  questions.  Honest 
Tiller  will  carry  you  all  to  the  land,  and,  in  pass- 
ing, the  book  may  again  be  consulted.  I  doubt 
not  she  will  leave  us  some  further  memorial  of 
her  visit." 

The  free-trader  then  bowed,  and  retired  be- 
hind the  curtain,  with  the  air  of  a  sovereign  dis- 
missing his  visitors  from  an  audience ;  though  his 
eye  glanced  curiously  behind  him,  as  he  disap- 
peared, as  if  to  trace  the  effect  which  had  been 
produced  by  the  interview.  Alderman  Van  Be- 
verout and  his  friends  where  in  the  boat  again, 
beforea  syllable  was  exchanged  between  them. 
They  had  followed  the  mariner  of  the  shawl,  in 
obedience  to  his  signal ;  and  they  quitted  the  side 
of  the  beautiful  brigantine,  like  men  who  pondered 
on  what  they  had  just  witnessed. 

Enough  has  been  betrayed,  in  the  course  of  the 
narrative,  perhaps  to  show,  that  Ludlow  distrust- 
ed, though  he  could  not  avoid  wondering  at,  what 
he  had  seen.  He  was  not  entirely  free  from  the 
superstition  that  was  then  so  common  among  sea- 
men ;  but  his  education  and  native  good  sense 
enabled  him  in  a  great  measure  to  extricate  his 
imagination  from  that  love  of  the  marvellous 
which  is  more  or  less  common  to  all.  He  had 
fifty  conjectures  concerning  the  meaning  of  what 
had  passed,  and  not  one  of  them  was  true ;  though 
each,  at  the  instant,  seemed  to  appease  his  curi- 
osity, while  it  quickened  his  resolution  to  pry 
further  into  the  affair.    As  for  the  Patroon  of 


80 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


Kinderhook,  the  present  day  was  one  of  rare  and 
unequalled  pleasure.  He  had  all  the  gratification 
which  strong  excitement  can  produce  in  slow  na- 
tures ;  and  he  neither  wished  a  solution  of  his 
doubts,  nor  contemplated  any  investigation  that 
might  destroy  so  agreeable  an  illusion.  His  fan- 
cy was  full  of  the  dark  countenance  of  the  sorcer- 
ess ;  and,  when  it  did  not  dwell  on  a  subject  so  un- 
natural, it  saw  the  handsome  features,  ambiguous 
smile,  and  attractive  air,  of  her  scarcely  less  ad- 
mirable minister. 

As  the  boat  got  to  a  little  distance  from  the 
vessel,  Tiller  stood  erect,  and  ran  his  eye  com- 
placently over  the  perfection  of  her  hull  and  rig- 
gmg. 

"  Our  mistress  has  equipped  and  sent  upon 
the  wide  and  unbeaten  sea  many  a  bark,"  he 
said ;  "  but  never  a  lovelier  than  our  own. — Cap- 
tain Ludlow,  there  has  been  some  double-dealing 
between  us  ;  but  that  which  is  to  follow  shall  de- 
pend on  our  skill,  our  seamanship,  and  our  heels. 
You  serve  Queen  Anne,  and  I  the  sea-green  lady. 
Let  each  be  true  to  his  mistress,  and  Heaven  pre- 
serve the  deserving ! — Wilt  see  the  book  before 
we  make  the  trial  ?  " 

Ludlow  intimated  his  assent,  and  the  boat  ap- 
proached the  figure-head.  It  was  impossible  to 
prevent  the  feeling  which  each  of  our  three  ad- 
venturers, not  excepting  the  alderman,  felt  when 
they  came  in  full  view  of  the  motionless  image. 
The  mysterious  countenance  appeared  endowed 
with  thought,  and  the  malign  smile  seemed  still 
more  ironical  than  before. 

"  The  first  question  was  yours,  and  yours  must 
be  the  first  answered,"  said  Tiller,  motioning  for 
Ludlow  to  consult  the  page  which  was  open. 
"  Our  mistress  deals  chiefly  in  verses  from  the  old 
writer  whose  thoughts  are  almost  as  common  to 
us  all  as  to  human  nature." 

"  What  means  this  ?  "  said  Ludlow,  hastily : 

"  She,  Claudio,  that  you  wronged,  look  you  restore 
— love  her,  Angelo ; 
I  have  confessed  her,  and  I  know  her  virtue." 

"  These  are  plain  words ;  but  I  would  rather 
that  another  priest  should  shrive  her  whom  I 
love ! " 

"Hist! — Young  blood  is  swift  and  quickly 
heated.  Our  lady  of  the  bark  will  not  relish  hot 
speech  over  her  oracles. — Come,  Master  Patroon, 
turn  the  page  with  the  rattan,  and  see  what  For- 
tune will  give." 

Oloff  Yan  Staats  raised  his  powerful  arm,  with 
the  hesitation  and  yet  with  the  curiosity  of  a 
girl.  It  was  easy  to  read  in  his  eye  the  pleasure 
his  heavy  nature  felt  in  the  excitement ;  yet  it 
was  easy  to  detect  the  misgivings  of  an  erroneous 


education,  by  the  seriousness  of  all  the  other 
members  of  his  countenance.    He  read  aloud : 

"  I  have  a  motion  much  imports  your  good ; 
Whereto,  if  you'll  a  willing  ear  incline, 
What's  mine  is  yours,  and  what  is  yours  is  mine. — 
So  bring  us  to  our  palace,  where  we'll  show, 
What's  yet  behind,  that's  meet  you  all  should  know." 

Measure  fob  Measttee. 

"  Fair-dealing,  and  fairer  speech  !  '  What's 
yours  is  mine,  and  what  is  mine  is  yours,' is  meas- 
ure for  measure,  truly,  patroon ! "  cried  the  alder- 
man. "  A  more  equitable  bargain  cannot  be  made, 
when  the  assets  are  of  equal  value.  Here  is  en- 
couragement, in  good  sooth ;  and  now,  Master 
Mariner,  we  will  land  and  proceed  to  the  Lust  in 
Rust,  which  must  be  the  place  meant  in  the  verses. 
'  What's  yet  behind,'  must  be  Alida,  the  torment- 
ing baggage  !  who  has  been  playing  hide-and-seek 
with  us,  for  no  other  reason  than  to  satisfy  her 
womanish  vanity,  by  showing  how  uncomfortable 
she  could  make  three  grave  and  responsible  men. 
— Let  the  boat  go,  Master  Tiller,  since  that  is  thy 
name  ;  and  many  thanks  for  thy  civilities." 

"  'Twould  give  grave  offence  to  leave  the  lady, 
without  knowing  all  she  has  to  say.  The  answer 
now  concerns  you,  worthy  alderman ;  and  the  rat- 
tan will  do  its  turn,  in  your  hand,  as  well  as  in 
that  of  another." 

"  I  despise  a  pitiful  curiosity,  and  content  my- 
self with  knowing  what  chance  and  good  luck 
teach,"  returned  Myndert.  "  There  are  men  in 
Manhattan  ever  prying  into  their  neighbors' 
credit,  like  frogs  lying  with  their  noses  out  of 
water ;  but  it  is  enough  for  me  to  know  the  state 
of  my  books,  with  some  insight  into  that  of  the 
market." 

"  It  will  not  do.  This  may  appease  a  quiet 
conscience,  like  your  own,  sir;  but  we  of  the 
brigantine  may  not  trifle  with  our  mistress.  One 
touch  of  the  rattan  will  tell  you  whether  these 
visits  to  the  Water- Witch  are  likely  to  prove  to 
your  advantage." 

Myndert  wavered.  It  has  been  said  that, 
like  most  others  of  his  origin  in  the  colony,  he 
had  a  secret  leaning  to  the  art  of  divination :  and 
the  words  of  the  hero  of  the  shawl  contained  a  flat- 
tering allusion  to  the  profits  of  his  secret  commerce. 
He  took  the  offered  stick,  and,  by  the  time  the 
page  was  turned,  his  eyess  were  ready  enough  to 
consult  its  contents.  There  was  but  a  line,  which 
was  also  quoted  as  coming  from  the  well-known 
comedy  of  "  Measure  for  Measure :  " 

"  Proclaim  it,  provost,  round  about  the  city." 

In  his  eagerness  Myndert  read  the  oracle  aloud ; 
then  he  sank  into  his  seat,  affecting  to  laugh  at 
the  whole  as  a  childish  and  vain  conceit. 


BONNIE. 


"  Proclamation  me  no  proclamations  !  Is  it  a 
time  of  hostilities,  or  of  public  danger,  that  one 
should  go  shouting  with  his  tidings  through  the 
streets  ?  Measure  for  measure,  truly  !  Harkee, 
Master  Tiller,  this  sea-green  trull  of  thine  is  no 
better  than  she  should  be  ;  and  unless  she  mend 
her  manner  of  dealing,  no  honest  man  will  be  found 
willing  to  be  seen  in  her  company.  I  am  no  be- 
liever in  necromancy— though  the  inlet  has  cer- 
tainly opened  this  year  altogether  in  an  unusual 
manner — and  therefore  I  put  little  faith  in  her 
words ;  but  as  for  saying  aught  of  me  or  mine,  in 
town  or  country,  Holland  or  America,  that  can 
shake  my  credit,  why,  I  defy  her !  Still,  I  would 
not  willingly  have  any  idle  stories  to  contradict ; 
and  I  shall  conclude  by  saying,  you  will  do  well 
to  stop  her  mouth." 

"  Stop  a  hurricane,  or  a  tornado  !  Truth  will 
come  in  her  book,  and  he  that  reads  must  expect 
to  see  it. — Captain  Ludlow,  you  are  master  of 
your  movements  again  ;  for  the  inlet  is  no  longer 
between  you  and  your  cruiser.  Behind  yon  hil- 
lock is  the  boat  and  crew  you  missed.  The  latter 
expect  you. — And  now,  gentlemen,  we  leave  the 
rest  to  the  green  lady's  guidance,  our  own  good 
skill,  and  the  winds  !    I  salute  you." 

The  moment  his  companions  were  on  the 
shore,  the  hero  of  the  shawl  caused  his  boat  to 
quit  it ;  and  in  less  than  five  minutes  it  was  seen 
swinging  by  its  tackles  at  the  stern  of  the  brigan- 
tine. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

"  like  Ai'ion  on  the  dolphin's  back 

I  saw  him  hold  acquaintance  with  the  waves, 
So  long  as  I  could  see.1' 

Tempest. 

There  was  one  curious  though  half-confounded 
observer  of  all  that  passed  in  and  around  the 
cove,  on  the  morning  in  question.  This  person- 
age was  no  other  than  the  slave  called  Bonnie, 
who  was  the  factotum  of  his  master,  over  the 
demesnes  of  the  Lust  in  Rust,  during  the  time 
when  the  presence  of  the  alderman  was  required 
in  the  city ;  which  was,  in  truth,  at  least  four- 
fifths  of  the  year.  Responsibility  and  confidence 
had  produced  their  effect  on  this  negro,  as  on  more 
cultivated  minds.  He  had  been  used  to  act  in 
situations  of  care ;  and  practice  had  produced  a 
habit  of  vigilance  and  observation,  that  was  not 
common  in  men  of  his  unfortunate  condition. 
There  is  no  moral  truth  more  certain  than  that 
men,  when  once  accustomed  to  this  species  of 
domination,  as  readily  submit  their  minds  as  their 
6 


81 

bodies  to  the  control  of  others.  Thus  it  is  that 
we  see  entire  nations  maintaining  so  many  errone- 
ous maxims,  merely  because  it  has  suited  the  in- 
terests of  those  who  do  the  thinking,  to  give  forth 
these  fallacies  to  their  followers.  Fortunately, 
however,  for  the  improvement  of  the  race  and  the 
advancement  of  truth,  it  is  only  necessary  to  give 
a  man  an  opportunity  to  exercise  his  natural  facul- 
ties in  order  to  make  him  a  reflecting  and  in  some 
degree  an  independent  being.  Such,  though  to  a 
very  limited  extent  certainly,  had  been  the  conse- 
quence in  the  instance  of  the  slave  just  men- 
tioned. 

How  far  Bonnie  had  been  concerned  in  the 
proceedings  between  his  master  and  the  mariners 
of  the  brigantine,  it  is  unnecessary  to  say.  Lit- 
tle passed  at  the  villa  of  which  he  was  ignorant ; 
and  as  curiosity,  once  awakened,  increases  its  own 
desire  for  indulgence,  could  he  have  had  his  wish, 
little  would  have  passed  anywhere  near  him,  with- 
out his  knowing  something  of  its  nature  and  im- 
port. He  had  seen,  while  seemingly  employed 
with  his  hoe  in  the  garden  of  the  alderman,  the 
trio  conveyed  by  Erasmus  across  the  inlet ;  and 
watched  the  manner  in  which  they  followed  its 
margin  to  the  shade  of  the  oak,  and  had  seen 
them  enter  the  brigantine,  as  related.  That  this 
extraordinary  visit  on  board  a  vessel  which  was  in 
common  shrouded  by  so  much  mystery,  had  given 
rise  to  much  and  unusual  reflection  in  the  mind 
of  the  black,  was  apparent  by  the  manner  in  which 
he  so  often  paused  in  his  labor,  and  stood  leaning 
on  the  handle  of  his  hoe.  He  had  never  known 
his  master  so  far  overstep  his  usual  caution  as  to 
quit  the  dwelling  during  the  occasional  visits  of 
the  free-trader ;  yet  he  hadnow  gone  as  it  were  in- 
to the  very  jaws  of  the  lion,  accompanied  by  the 
commander  of  a  royal  cruiser.  No  wonder,  then, 
that  the  vigilance  of  the  negro  became  still  more 
active,  and  that  not  even  the  slightest  circumstance 
was  suffered  to  escape  his  admiring  eye.  During 
the  whole  time  consumed  by  the  visit  related  in 
the  preceding  chapter,  not  a  minute  had  been  suf- 
fered to  pass  without  an  inquiring  look  in  the  di- 
rection either  of  the  brigantine  or  of  the  adjacent 
shore. 

It  is  scarcely  necessary  to  say  how  keen  the 
attention  of  the  slave  became,  when  his  master 
and  his  companions  were  seen  to  return  to  the 
land.  They  immediately  ascended  to  the  foot 
of  the  oak,  where  there  was  a  long  and  appar- 
ently a  serious  conference  between  them.  Dur- 
ing this  consultation,  the  negro  never  suffered  his 
gaze,  for  an  instant,  to  alter  its  direction.  In- 
deed, be  scarcely  drew  breath,  until  the  whole 
party  quitted  the  spot  together,  and  buried  them- 


32 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


selves  in  the  thicket  that  covered  the  cape,  tak- 
ing the  direction  of  its  outer  or  northern  extrem- 
ity, instead  of  retiring  by  the  shore  of  the  cove, 
toward  the  inlet.  Then  Bonnie  respired  heavily, 
and  began  to  look  about  him  at  the  other  objects 
that  properly  belonged  to  the  interest  of  the 
scene. 

The  brigantine  had  run  up  her  boat,  and  she 
now  lay,  as  when  first  seen,  a  motionless,  beauti- 
ful, aud  exquisitely  graceful  fabric,  without  the 
smallest  sign,  about  her  of  an  intention  to  move, 
or  indeed  without  exhibiting  any  other  proof,  ex- 
cept in  her  admirable  order  and  symmetry,  that 
any  of  human  powers  dwelt  within  her  hull.  The 
royal  cruiser,  though  larger  and  of  far  less  aerial 
mould  and  fashion,  presented  the  same  picture 
of  repose.  The  distance  between  the  two  was 
about  a  league ;  and  Bonnie  was  sufficiently 
familiar  with  the  formation  of  the  land  and  the 
position  of  the  vessels  to  be  quite  aware  that 
this  inactivity  on  the  part  of  those  whose  duty 
it  was  to  protect  the  rights  of  the  queen,  pro- 
ceeded from  their  utter  ignorance  of  the  proxim- 
ity of  their  neighbor.  The  thicket  which  bounded 
the  cove,  and  the  growth  of  oaks  and  pines  that 
stretched  along  the  narrow,  sandy  spit  of  land 
quite  to  its  extremity,  sufficiently  accounted  for 
the  fact.  The  negro,  therefore,  after  gazing  for 
several  minutes  at  the  two  immovable  vessels, 
turned  his  eye  askance  on  the  earth,  shook  his 
head,  and  burst  into  a  laugh,  which  was  so  noisy 
that  it  caused  his  sable  partner  to  thrust  her  va- 
cant and  circular  countenance  through  an  open 
window  of  the  scullery  of  the  villa,  to  demand 
the  reason  of  a  merriment  that  to  her  faithful 
feelings  appeared  to  be  a  little  unsocial. 

"  Hey !  you  alway'  keep  'e  queer  t'ing  to  he- 
self,  Bonnie,  but !  "  cried  the  vixen,  "  I'm  werry 
glad  to  see  old  bones  like  a  hoe ;  an'  I  wonner' 
dere  ar'  time  to  laugh,  wid'e  garden  full  of 
weed ! " 

"  Grach  !  "  exclaimed  the  negro,  stretching  out 
an  arm  in  a  forensic  attitude;  "what  a  black 
woman  know  of  politic !  If  a  hab  time  to  talk, 
better  cook  a  dinner.  Tell  one  t'ing,  Phyllis,  and 
that  be  dis :  vy  'e  ship  of  Captain  Ludlow  no 
lif  'e  anchor,  an'  come  take  dis  rogue  in  'e  cove  ? 
can  a  tell  dat  much,  or  no  ? — if  no,  let  a  man,  who 
understan'  heself,  laugh  much  as  he  like.  A  lit- 
tle fun  no  harm  Queen  Anne  nor  kill  'e  gubbe- 
nor!" 

"  All  work  and  no  sleep  make  old  bone  ache, 
Bonnie,  but !  "  returned  the  consort.  "  Ten 
o'clock — twelve  o'clock — free  o'clock,  and  no 
bed ;  veil  I  see  'e  sun  afore  a  black  fool  put  'e 
head  on  a  pillow  ! — An'  now  a  hoe  go  all  'e  same 


as  if  he  sleep  a  ten  hour.    Masser  Myn'ert  got  a 
heart,  and  he  no  wish  to  kill  he  people  wid  work,  J 
or  old  Phyllis  war'  dead,  fifty  year,  next  winter." 

"  I  t'ink  a  wench's  tongue  nebber  satisfy !  ] 
What  for  tell  a  whole  world  when  Bonnie  go  to 
bed  ?    He  sleep  for  heself,  and  he  no  sleep  for  'e 
neighborhood !    Dere !    A  man  can't  t'ink  of 
ebery  t'ing  in  a  minute.    Here  a  ribbon  long 
enough  to  hang  heself — take  him  and  den  re-  I 
mem'er,  Phyllis,  dat  you  be  'e  wife  of  a  man  who  J 
hab  care  on  he  shoul'er." 

Bonnie  then  set  up  another  laugh,  in  which  ] 
his  partner,  having  quitted  her  scullery  to  seize  I 
the  gift,  which  in  its  colors  resembled  the  skin 
of  a  garter-snake,  did  not  fail  to  join  through 
mere  excess  of  animal  delight.    The  effect  of  the 
gift,  however,  was  to  leave  the  negro  to  make  his  ; 
observations,  without  any  further  interruption  j 
from  one  who  was  a  little  too  apt  to  disturb  his 
solitude. 

A  boat  was  now  seen  to  pull  out  from  among  j 
the  bushes  that  lined  the  shore  ;  and  Bonnie  was 
enabled  to  distinguish,  in  its  stern-sheets,  the 
persons  of  his  master,  Ludlow,  and  the  patroon. 
He  had  been  acquainted  with  the  seizure  of  the  I 
Coquette's  barge  the  preceding  night,  and  with 
the  confinement  of  the  crew.  Its  appearance  in 
that  place,  therefore,  occasioned  no  new  surprise 
But  the  time  which  passed  while  the  men  were  j 
rowing  up  to  the  sloop-of-war,  was  filled  with 
minutes  of  increasing  interest.  The  black  aban- 
doned his  hoe,  and  took  a  position  on  the  side  of 
the  mountain  that  gave  him  a  view  of  the  whole 
bay.  So  long  as  the  mysteries  of  the  Lust  in 
Rust  had  been  confined  to  the  ordinary  combina- 
tions of  a  secret  trade,  he  had  been  fully  able  to 
comprehend  them  ;  but  now  that  there  apparent- 
ly existed  an  alliance  so  unnatural  as  one  between 
his  master  and  the  cruiser  of  the  crown,  he  felt 
the  necessity  of  double  observation  and  of  great- 
er thought. 

A  far  more  enlightened  mind  than  that  of  the 
slave  might  have  been  excited  by  the  expectation 
and  the  objects  which  now  presented  themselves, 
especially  if  sufficiently  prepared  for  events,  by  a 
knowledge  of  the  two  vessels  in  sight.  Though 
the  wind  still  hung  at  east,  the  cloud  above  the 
mouth  of  the  Raritan  at  length  began  to  rise.  The 
broad  fleeces  of  white  vapor,  that  had  lain  the 
whole  morning  over  the  continent,  were  rapidly 
uniting ;  and  they  formed  already  a  dark  and 
dense  mass,  that  floated  in  the  bottom  of  the  estu- 
ary, threatening  shortly  to  roll  over  the  whole  of  i 
its  wide  waters.  The  air  was  getting  lighter,  and 
variable  ;  and  while  the  wash  of  the  surf  sounded 
still  more  audible,  its  roll  upon  the  beach  was  less 


THE  COQUETTE 

regular  than  in  the  earlier  hours  of  the  day.  Such 
was  the  state  of  the  two  elements,  when  the  boat 
touched  the  side  of  the  ship.  In  a  minute  it  was 
hanging  by  its  tackles,  high  in  the  air ;  then  it 
disappeared  in  the  bosom  of  the  dark  mass. 

It  far  exceeded  the  intelligence  of  Bonnie  to 
detect,  now,  any  further  signs  of  preparation  in 
either  of  the  two  vessels  which  absorbed  the 
whole  of  his  attention.  They  appeared  to  him  to 
be  alike  without  motion,  and  equally  without  peo- 
;  pie.  There  were,  it  is  true,  a  few  specks  in  the 
rigging  of  the  Coquette,  which  might  be  seen ; 
but  the  distance  prevented  him  from  being  sure 
of  the  fact ;  and,  admitting  them  to  be  seamen 
busied  aloft,  there  were  no  visible  consequences 
of  their  presence,  that  his  uninstructed  eye  could 
trace.  In  a  minute  or  two,  even  these  scattered 
specks  were  seen  no  longer  ;  though  the  attentive 
black  thought  that  the  mast-heads  and  the  rig- 
ging beneath  the  tops  thickened,  as  if  surrounded 
by  more  than  their  usual  mazes  of  ropes.  At 
that  moment  of  suspense,  the  cloud  over  the  Rari- 
tan  emitted  a  flash.  This  seemed  to  be  a  signal 
for  the  cruiser ;  for  when  the  eye  of  Bonnie, 
which  had  been  directed  to  the  heavens,  returned 
toward  the  ship,  he  saw  that  she  had  opened  and 
hoisted  her  three  topsails,  seemingly  with  as  little 
exertion  as  an  eagle  would  have  spread  his  wings. 
The  ship  now  became  uneasy ;  for  the  wind  came 
in  puffs,  and  the  vessel  rolled  lightly,  as  if  strug- 
gling to  extricate  itself  from  the  hold  of  its  an- 
chor ;  and  precisely  at  the  moment  when  the  shift 
of  wind  was  felt,  and  the  breeze  came  from  the 
cloud  in  the  west,  the  cruiser  whirled  away  from  its 
constrained  position,  and,  appearing  for  a  short 
space  restless  as  a  steed  that  had  broken  from  its 
fastenings,  it  came  up  heavily  to  the  wind,  and  lay 
balanced  by  the  action  of  its  sails.  There  was  an- 
other minute  or  two  of  seeming  inactivity,  after 
which  the  broad  surfaces  of  the  top-sails  were 
brought  in  parallel  lines.  One  white  sheet  was 
spread  after  another  upon  the  fabric;  and  Bonnie 
saw  that  the  Coquette,  the  swiftest  cruiser  of  the 
crown  in  those  seas,  was  dashing  out  from  the  land 
under  a  cloud  of  canvas. 

All  this  time  the  brigantine  in  the  cove  lay 
quietly  at  her  anchor.  When  the  wind  shifted, 
the  light  hull  swung  with  its  currents,  and  the  im- 
age of  the  sea-green  lady  was  seen  offering  her 
dark  cheek  to  be  fanned  by  the  breeze.  But  she 
alone  seemed  to  watch  over  the  fortunes  of  her 
followers  ;  for  no  other  eye  could  be  seen  looking 
out  on  the  danger  that  began  so  seriously  to 
threaten  them,  both  from  the  heavens,  and  from  a 
more  certain  and  intelligible  foe. 

As  the  wind  was  fresh,  though  unsteady,  the  Co- 


UNDER  CANVAS.  83 

quette  moved  through  the  water  with  a  velocity 
that  did  no  discredit  to  her  reputation  for  speed. 
At  first  it  seemed  to  be  the  intention  of  the  royal 
cruiser  to  round  the  cape,  and  gain  an  offing  in 
the  open  sea,  for  her  head  was  directed  north- 
wardly ;  but  no  sooner  had  she  cleared  the  curve 
of  the  little  bight  which,  from  its  shape,  is  known 
by  the  name  of  the  Horseshoe,  than  she  was 
seen  shooting  directly  into  the  eye  of  the  wind, 
and  falling  off  with  the  graceful  and  easy  motion 
of  a  ship  in  stays,  her  head  looking  toward  the 
Lust  in  Rust.  Her  design  on  the  notorious  dealer 
in  contraband  was  now  too  evident  to  admit  of 
doubt. 

Still,  the  Water-Witch  betrayed  no  symptoms 
of  alarm.  The  meaning  eye  of  the  image  seemed 
to  study  the  motions  of  her  adversary  with  all 
the  understanding  of  an  intelligent  being;  and 
occasionally  the  brigantine  turned  slightly  in  the 
varying  currents  of  the  air,  as  if  volition  directed 
the  movements  of  the  little  fabric.  These  changes 
resembled  the  quick  and  slight  movements  of  the 
hound,  as  he  lifts  his  head  in  his  lair,  to  listen  to 
some  distant  sound,  or  to  scent  some  passing  taint 
in  the  gale. 

In  the  mean  time,  the  approach  of  the  ship  was 
so  swift  as  to  cause  the  negro  to  shake  his  head 
with  a  meaning  that  exceeded  even  his  usually 
important  look.  Every  thing  was  propitious  to 
her  progress  ;  and  as  the  water  of  the  cove,  dur- 
ing the  periods  that  the  inlet  remained  open,  was 
known  to  be  of  a  sufficient  depth  to  admit  of  her 
entrance,  the  faithful  Bonnie  began  to  anticipate 
a  severe  blow  to  the  future  fortunes  of  his  master. 
The  only  hope  that  he  could  perceive  for  the  es- 
cape of  the  smuggler,  was  in  the  changes  of  the 
heavens. 

Although  the  threatening  cloud  had  now 
quitted  the  mouth  of  the  Raritan,  and  was  rolling 
eastward  with  fearful  velocity,  it  had  not  yet 
broken.  The  air  had  the  unnatural  and  heated 
appearance  which  precedes  a  gust ;  but,  with  the 
exception  of  a  few  large  drops,  that  fell  seemingly 
from  a  clear  sky,  it  was  as  yet  what  is  called  a 
dry  squall.  The  water  of  the  bay  was  occasion- 
ally dark,  angry,  and  green  ;  and  there  were  mo- 
ments when  it  would  appear  as  if  heavy  currents 
of  air  descended  to  its  surface,  wantonly  to  try 
their  power  on  the  sister  element.  Notwithstand- 
ing these  sinister  omens,  the  Coquette  stood  on 
her  course,  without  lessening  the  wide  surfaces 
of  her  canvas  by  a  single  inch.  They  who  gov- 
erned her  movements  were  no  men  of  the  lazy 
Levant,  nor  of  the  mild  waters  of  the  Mediterra- 
nean, to  tear  their  hair,  and  call  on  saints  to  stand 
between  their  helplessness  and  harm  ;  but  mari- 


84 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


ners  trained  in  a  boisterous  sea,  and  accustomed 
to  place  their  first  dependence  on  their  own  good 
manhood,  aided  by  the  vigilance  and  skill  of  a 
long  and  severely  exercised  experience.  A  hun- 
dred eyes  on  board  that  cruiser  watched  the  ad- 
vance of  the  rolling  cloud,  or  looked  upon  the 
play  of  light  and  shade,  that  caused  the  color  of 
the  water  to  vary ;  but  it  was  steadily,  and  with 
an  entire  dependence  on  the  discretion  of  the 
young  officer  who  controlled  the  movements  of 
the  ship. 

Ludlow  himself  paced  the  deck  with  all  his 
usual  composure,  so  far  as  might  be  seen  by  ex- 
ternal signs ;  though  in  reality  his  mind  was 
agitated  by  feelings  that  were  foreign  to  the  duties 
of  his  station.  He,  too,  had  thrown  occasional 
glances  at  the  approaching  squall,  but  his  eye 
was  far  oftener  riveted  on  the  motionless  brigan- 
tine,  which  was  now  distinctly  to  be  seen  from 
the  deck  of  the  Coquette,  still  riding  at  her  an- 
chor. The  cry  of  "  A  stranger  in  the  cove  ! "  which 
a  few  minutes  before  came  out  of  one  of  the  tops, 
caused  no  surprise  in  the  commander ;  while  the 
crew,  wondering  but  obedient,  began  for  the  first 
time  to  perceive  the  object  of  their  strange  ma- 
noeuvres. Even  the  officer  next  in  authority  to 
the  captain  had  not  presumed  to  make  any  inquiry, 
though  now  that  the  object  of  their  search  was  so 
evidently  in  view,  he  felt  emboldened  to  presume 
on  his  rank,  and  to  venture  a  remark. 

"  It  is  a  sweet  craft!  "  said  the  staid  lieuten- 
ant, yielding  to  an  admiration  natural  to  his 
habits,  "and  one  that  might  serve  as  a  yacht  for 
the  queen!  This  is  some  trifler  with  the  reve- 
nue, or  perhaps  a  buccaneer  from  the  islands. 
The  fellow  shows  no  ensign!" 

"  Give  him  notice,  sir,  that  he  has  to  do  with 
one  who  bears  the  royal  commission,"  returned 
Ludlow,  speaking  from  habit,  and  half  uncon- 
scious of  what  he  said.  "  We  must  teach  these 
rovers  to  respect  a  pennant." 

The  report  of  the  cannon  startled  the  absent 
man,  and  caused  him  to  remember  the  order. 

"Was  that  gun  shotted?"  he  asked,  in  a 
tone  that  sounded  like  rebuke. 

"Shotted,  but  pointed  wide,  sir;  merely  a 
broad  hint.  We  are  no  dealers  in  dumb  show  in 
the  Coquette,  Captain  Ludlow." 

"  I  would  not  injure  the  vessel,  even  should 
it  prove  a  buccaneer.  Be  careful  that  nothing 
strikes  her,  without  an  order." 

"  Ay,  'twill  be  well  to  take  the  beauty  alive, 
sir ;  so  pretty  a  boat  should  not  be  broken  up, 
like  an  old  hulk.  Ha !  there  goes  his  bunting,  at 
last!  He  shows  a  white  field — can  the  fellow 
be  a  Frenchman,  after  all  ?  " 


The  lieutenant  took  a  glass,  and  for  a  moment 
applied  it  to  his  eye  with  the  usual  steadiness. 
Then  he  suffered  the  instrument  to  fall,  and  it 
would  seem  that  he  endeavored  to  recall  the  dif- 
ferent flags  that  he  had  seen  during  the  experi- 
ence of  many  years. 

"  This  joker  should  come  from  some  terra  in- 
cognita," he  said.  "  Here  is  a  woman  in  his  field, 
with  an  ugly  countenance,  too,  unless  the  glass 
play  me  false — as  I  live,  the  rogue  has  her  coun- 
terpart for  a  figure-head  !  Will  you  look  at  the 
ladies,  sir  ?  " 

Ludlow  took  the  glass,  and  it  was  not  without 
curiosity  that  he  turned  it  toward  the  colors  the 
hardy  smuggler  dared  to  exhibit  in  presence  of  a 
cruiser.  The  vessels  were,  by  this  time,  sufficient- 
ly near  each  other  to  enable  him  to  distinguish 
the  swarthy  features  and  malign  smile  of  the  sea- 
green  lady,  whose  form  was  wrought  in  the  field 
of  the  ensign,  with  the  same  art  as  that  which 
he  had  seen  so  often  displayed  in  other  parts  of 
the  brigantine.  Amazed  at  the  daring  of  the 
free-trader,  he  returned  the  glass  and  continued 
to  pace  the  deck  in  silence.  There  stood  near 
the  two  speakers  an  officer  whose  head  and  form 
began  to  show  the  influence  of  time,  and  who, 
from  his  position,  had  unavoidably  been  an  audi- 
tor of  what  passed.  Though  the  eye  of  this  per^ 
son,  who  was  the  sailing-master  of  the  sloop,  was 
rarely  off  the  threatening  cloud,  except  to  glance 
along  the  wide  show  of  canvas  that  was  spread,  he 
found  a  moment  to  take  a  look  at  the  stranger. 

"A  half-rigged  brig,  with  her  foretop-gallant- 
mast  fidded  abaft,  a  double  martingale,  and  a 
standing  gaft,"  observed  the  methodical  and 
technical  mariner,  as  another  would  have  re- 
counted the  peculiarities  of  complexion  or  of 
feature  in  some  individual  who  was  the  subject 
of  a  personal  description.  "  The  rogue  has  no 
need  of  showing  his  brazen-faced  trull  to  be 
known  !  I  chased  him,  for  six-and-thirty  hours, 
in  the  chops  of  St.  George's,  no  later  than  the 
last  season ;  and  the  fellow  ran  about  us,  like  a 
dolphin  playing  under  a  ship's  fore-foot.  We  had 
him  now  on  our  weather-bow,  and  now  crossing 
our  course,  and  once  in  a  while  in  our  wake,  as 
if  he  had  been  a  Mother  Carey's  chicken  looking 
for  our  crumbs.  He  seems  snug  enough  in  that 
cove,  to  be  sure,  yet  I'll  wager  the  pay  of  any 
month  in  the  twelve,  that  he  gives  us  the  slip. 
Captain  Ludlow,  the  brigantine  under  our  lee 
here,  in  Spermaceti,  is  the  well-known  Skimmer 
of  the  Seas!" 

"  The  Skimmer  of  the  Seas !  "  echoed  twenty 
voices,  in  a  manner  to  show  the  interest  created 
by  the  unexpected  information. 


THE  SAILING-MASTER'S  OPINION. 


85 


"I'll  swear  to  his  character  before  any  ad- 
miralty judge  in  England  or  even  in  France,  should 
there  be  occasion  to  go  into  an  outlandish  court ; 
but  no  need  of  an  oath,  when  here  is  a  written 
account  I  took,  with  my  own  hands,  having  the 
chase  in  plain  view,  at  noonday."  While  speak- 
ing, the  sailing-master  drew  a  tobacco-box  from 
his  pocket,  and,  removing  a  coil  of  pigtail,  he 
came  to  a  deposit  of  memorandums  that  vied  with 
the  weed  itself  in  color.  "Now,  gentlemen,"  he 
continued,  "you  shall  have  her  build,  as  justly 
as  if  the  master-carpenter  had  laid  it  down  with 
his  rule.  '  Remember  to  bring  a  muff  of  marten's 
fur  from  America,  for  Mrs.  Trysail — buy  it  in 
London,  and  swear ' — this  is  not  the  paper — I  let 
your  boy,  Mr.  Luff,  stow  away  the  last  entry  of 
tobacco  for  me,  and  the  young  dog  has  disturbed 
every  document  I  own.  This  is  the  way  the  gov- 
ernment accounts  get  jammed,  when  Parliament 
wants  to  overhaul  them.  But  I  suppose  young 
blood  will  have  its  run !  I  let  a  monkey  into  a 
church  of  a  Saturday  night  myself,  when  a  young- 
ster, and  he  made  such  a  stowage  of  the  prayer- 
books  that  the  whole  parish  was  by  the  ears  for 
six  months;  and  there  is  one  quarrel  between 
two  old  ladies  that  has  not  been  made  up  to  this 
hour. — Ah!  here  we  have  it:  '  Skimmer  of  the 
Seas.  Full-rigged  forward,  with  fore-and-aft  main- 
sail abaft ;  a  gaff-topsail ;  taut  in  his  spars,  with 
light  top-hamper ;  neat  in  his  gear,  as  any  beau- 
ty— carries  a  ring-tail  in  light  weather ;  main-boom 
like  a  frigate's  topsail-yard,  with  a  main-topmast- 
staysail  as  big  as  a  jib.  Low  in  the  water,  with 
a  woman  figure-head;  carries  sail  more  like  a 
devil  than  a  human  being,  and  lies  within  four 
and  a  half  points,  when  jammed  up  hard  on  a 
wind.'  Here  are  marks  by  which  one  of  Queen 
Anne's  maids  of  honor  might  know  the  rogue ; 
and  there  you  see  them  all,  as  plainly  as  human 
nature  can  show  them  in  a  ship  !  " 

"  The  Skimmer  of  the  Seas ! "  repeated  the 
young  officers,  who  had  crowded  around  the  vet- 
eran tar  to  hear  this  characteristic  description  of 
the  notorious  free-trader. 

"  Skimmer  or  flier,  we  have  him  now,  dead 
under  our  lee,  with  a  sandy  beach  on  three  of  his 
sides,  and  the  wind  in  his  eye ! "  cried  the  first-lieu- 
tenant. "  You  shall  have  an  opportunity,  Mas- 
ter Trysail,  of  correcting  your  account  by  actual 
measurement." 

The  sailing-master  shook  his  head,  like  one 
who  doubted,  and  again  turned  his  eye  on  the  ap- 
proaching cloud. 

The  Coquette,  by  this  time,  had  run  so  far  as 
to  have  the  entrance  of  the  cove  open ;  and  she 
was  separated  from  her  object  only  by  a  distance 


of  a  few  cables'  length.  In  obedience  to  an  order 
given  by  Ludlow,  all  the  light  canvas  of  the  ship 
was  taken  in,  and  the  vessel  was  left  under  her 
three  topsails  and  jib.  There  remained,  however, 
a  question  as  to  the  channel ;  for  it  was  not  usual 
for  ships  of  the  Coquette's  draught  to  be  seen  in 
that  quarter  of  the  bay,  and  the  threatening  state 
of  the  weather  rendered  caution  doubly  necessary. 
The  pilot  shrank  from  a  responsibility  which  did 
not  properly  belong  to  his  office,  since  the  ordina- 
ry navigation  had  no  concern  with  that  secluded 
place ;  and  even  Ludlow,  stimulated  as  he  was 
by  so  many  powerful  motives,  hesitated  to  incur 
a  risk  which  greatly  exceeded  his  duty.  There 
was  something  so  remarkable  in  the  apparent  se- 
curity of  the  smuggler,  that  it  naturally  led  to  the 
belief  he  was  certain  of  being  protected  by  some 
known  obstacle,  and  it  was  decided  to  sound  be- 
fore the  ship  was  hazarded.  An  offer  to  carry  the 
free-trader  with  the  boats,  though  plausible  in  it- 
self, and  perhaps  the  wisest  course  of  all,  was  re- 
jected by  the  commander,  on  an  evasive  plea  of 
its  being  of  uncertain  issue,  though,  in  truth,  be- 
cause he  felt  an  interest  in  one  whom  he  believed 
the  brigantine  to  contain,  which  entirely  forbade 
the  idea  of  making  the  vessel  the  scene  of  so  vio- 
lent a  struggle.  A  yawl  was  therefore  lowered 
into  the  water,  the  main-topsail  of  the  ship  was 
thrown  to  the  mast ;  and  Ludlow  himself,  accom- 
panied by  the  pilot  and  the  master,  proceeded  to 
ascertain  the  best  approach  to  the  smuggler.  A 
flash  of  lightning,  with  one  of  those  thunder-claps 
that  are  wont  to  be  more  terrific  on  this  conti- 
nent than  in  the  other  hemisphere,  warned  the 
young  mariner  of  the  necessity  of  haste,  if  he 
would  regain  his  ship  before  the  cloud,  which  still 
threatened  them,  should  reach  the  spot  where  she 
lay.  The  boat  pulled  briskly  into  the  cove,  both 
the  master  and  the  pilot  sounding  on  each  side, 
as  fast  as  the  leads  could  be  cast  from  their  hands 
and  recovered. 

"  This  will  do,"  said  Ludlow  when  they  had 
ascertained  that  they  could  enter.  "  I  would  lay 
the  ship  as  close  as  possible  to  the  brigantine,  for 
I  distrust  her  quiet.    We  will  go  nearer." 

"  A  brazen  witch,  and  one  whose  saucy  eye 
and  pert  figure  might  lead  any  honest  mariner  in- 
to contraband,  or  even  into  a  sea-robbery  ! "  half- 
whispered  Trysail,  perhaps  afraid  to  trust  his 
voice  within  hearing  of  a  creature  that  seemed 
almost  endowed  with  the  faculties  of  life.  "Ay, 
this  is  the  hussy  !  I  know  her  by  the  book  and 
her  green  jacket !  But  where  are  her  people  ? 
The  vessel  is  as  quiet  as  the  royal  vault  on  a  cor- 
onation day,  when  the  last  king  and  those  who 
went  before  him  commonly  have  the  place  to 


86 


THE  WATER- WITCH. 


themselves.  Here  would  be  a  pretty  occasion 
to  throw  a  boat's  crew  on  her  decks,  and  haul 
down  yon  impudent  ensign,  which  bears  the 
likeness  of  this  wicked  lady  so  bravely  in  the  air, 
if—" 

"  If  what  ?  "  asked  Ludlow,  struck  with  the 
plausible  character  of  the  proposal. 

"  Why,  if  one  were  sure  of  the  nature  of  such 
a  minx,  sir  ;  for,  to  own  the  truth,  I  would  rather 
deal  with  a  regularly-built  Frenchman,  who  showed 
his  guns  honestly,  and  kept  such  a  jabbering 
aboard  that  one  might  tell  his  bearings  in  the  dark. 
— The  creature  spoke !  " 

Ludlow  did  not  reply,  for  a  heavy  crash  of 
thunder  succeeded  the  vivid  glow  of  a  flash  of 
lightning,  and  glared  so  suddenly  across  the  swar- 
thy lineaments  as  to  draw  the  involuntary  exclama- 
tion from  Trysail.  The  intimation  that  came  from 
the  cloud  was  not  to  be  disregarded.  The  wind, 
which  had  so  long  varied,  began  to  be  heard  in 
the  rigging  of  the  silent  brigantine  ;  and  the  two 
elements  exhibited  unequivocal  evidence,  in  their 
menacing  and  fitful  colors,  of  the  near  approach 
of  the  gust.  The  young  sailor,  with  an  absorbing 
interest,  turned  his  eyes  on  his  ship.  The  yards 
were  on  the  caps,  the  bellying  canvas  was  flutter- 
ing far  to  leeward,  and  twenty  or  thirty  human 
forms  on  each  spar,  showed  that  the  nimble- 
fingered  topmen  were  gathering  in  and  knotting 
the  sails  down  to  a  close  reef. 

"  Give  way,  men,  for  your  lives !  "  cried  the  ex- 
cited Ludlow. 

A  single  dash  of  the  oars  was  heard,  and  the 
yawl  was  already  twenty  feet  from  the  mysteri- 
ous image.  Then  followed  a  desperate  struggle 
to  regain  the  cruiser,  ere  the  gust  should  strike 
her.  The  sullen  murmur  of  the  wind,  rushing 
through  the  rigging  of  the  ship,  was  audible  some 
time  before  they  reached  her  side ;  and  the  strug- 
gles between  the  fabric  and  the  elements  were  at 
moments  so  violent  as  to  cause  the  young  com- 
mander to  fear  he  would  be  too  late. 

The  foot  of  Ludlow  touched  the  deck  of  the 
Coquette  at  the  instant  the  weight  of  the  squall 
fell  upon  her  sails.  He  no  longer  thought  of  any 
interest  but  that  of  the  moment ;  with  all  the 
feelings  of  a  seaman,  his  mind  was  now  full  of 
his  ship. 

"  Let  run  every  thing  !  "  shouted  the  ready 
officer,  in  a  voice  that  made  itself  heard  above 
the  roar  of  the  wind.  "  Clew  down,  and  hand  ! 
— Away  aloft,  you  topmen  !  —  lay  out !  —  furl 
away ! " 

These  orders  were  given  in  rapid  succession, 
and  without  a  trumpet,  for  the  young  man  could, 
at  need,  speak  loud  as  the  tempest.    They  were 


succeeded  by  one  of  those  exciting  and  fearful 
minutes  that  are  so  familiar  to  mariners.  Each 
man  was  intent  on  his  duty,  while  the  elements 
worked  their  will  around  him  as  madly  as  if  the 
hand  by  which  they  were  ordinarily  restrained 
was  forever  removed.  The  bay  was  a  sheet  of 
foam,  while  the  rushing  of  the  gust  resembled  the 
dull  rumbling  of  a  thousand  chariots.  The  ship 
yielded  to  the  pressure,  until  the  water  was  seen 
gushing  through  her  lee-scuppers,  and  her  tall 
line  of  masts  inclined  toward  the  plane  of  the 
bay,  as  if  the  ends  of  the  yards  were  about  to 
dip  into  the  water.  But  this  was  no  more  than 
the  first  submission  to  the  shock.  The  well- 
moulded  fabric  recovered  its  balance,  and  strug- 
gled through  its  element,  as  if  conscious  that 
there  was  security  only  in  motion.  Ludlow 
glanced  his  eye  to  leeward.  The' opening  of  the 
cove  was  favorably  situated,  and  he  caught  a 
glimpse  of  the  spars  of  the  brigantine,  rocking 
violently  in  the  squall.  He  spoke  to  demand  if 
the  anchors  were  clear ;  then  he  was  heard,  shout- 
ing again  from  his  station  in  the  weather-gang- 
way: 

"  Hard  a-weather  ! — " 

The  first  efforts  of  the  cruiser  to  obey  her 
helm,  stripped  as  she  was  of  canvas,  were  labored 
and  slow.  But  when  her  head  began  to  fall  off, 
the  driving  scud  was  scarce  swifter  than  her  mo- 
tion. At  that  moment,  the  sluices  of  the  cloud 
opened,  and  a  torrent  of  rain  mingled  in  the  up- 
roar, and  added  to  the  confusion.  Nothing  was 
now  visible  but  the  lines  of  the  falling  water,  and 
the  sheet  of  white  foam  through  which  the  ship 
was  glancing. 

"  Here  is  the  land,  sir ! "  bellowed  Trysail, 
from  a  cat-head,  where  he  stood  resembling  some 
venerable  sea-god,  dripping  with  his  native  ele- 
ment.   "  We  are  passing  it,  like  a  race-horse  !  " 

"  See  your  bowers  clear! "  shouted  back  the 
captain. 

"  Ready,  sir,  ready — " 
Ludlow  motioned  to  the  men  at  the  wheel  to 
bring  the  ship  to  the  wind  ;  and,  when  her  way 
was  sufficiently  deadened,  two  ponderous  anchors 
dropped,  at  another  signal,  into  the  water.  The 
vast  fabric  was  not  checked  without  a  further  and 
tremendous  struggle.  When  the  bows  felt  the  re- 
straint, the  ship  swung  head  to  wind,  and  fathom 
after  fathom  of  the  enormous  ropes  was  ex- 
tracted, by  surges  so  violent  as  to  cause  the  hull  to 
quiver  to  its  centre.  But  the  first-lieutenant  and 
Trysail  were  no  novices  in  their  duty,  and  in  less 
than  a  minute  they  had  secured  the  vessel  steadily 
at  her  anchors.  When  this  important  service  was 
performed,  officers  and  crew  stood  looking  at  each 


DISAPPEARANCE  OF  THE  BRIGANTINE. 


37 


other,  like  men  who  had  just  made  a  hazardous 
and  fearful  experiment.  The  view  again  opened, 
and  objects  on  the  land  became  visible  through  the 
still  falling  rain.  The  change  was  like  that  from 
night  to  day.  Men  who  had  passed  their  lives 
on  the  sea  drew  long  and  relieving  breaths,  con- 
scious that  the  danger  was  happily  passed.  As 
the  more  pressing  interest  of  their  own  situation 
abated,"  they  remembered  the  object  of  their 
search.  All  eyes  were  turned  in  quest  of  the 
smuggler ;  but,  by  some  inexplicable  means,  he  had 
disappeared. 

"  The  Skimmer  of  the  Seas ! "  and  "  What  has 
become  of  the  brigantine  ?  "  were  exclamations 
that  the  discipline  of  a  royal  cruiser  could  not  re- 
press. They  were  repeated  by  a  hundred  mouths, 
while  twice  as  many  eyes  sought  to  find  the  beau- 
tiful fabric.  All  looked  in  vain.  The  spot  where 
the  Water-Witch  had  so  lately  lain  was  vacant, 
and  no  vestige  of  her  wreck  lined  the  shores  of 
the  cove.  During  the  time  the  ship  was  handing 
her  sails,  and  preparing  to  enter  the  cove,  no  one 
had  leisure  to  look  for  the  stranger ;  and  after 
the  vessel  had  anchored,  until  that  moment,  it 
was  not  possible  to  see  her  length  on  any  side  of 
them.  There  was  still  a  dense  mass  of  falling 
water  moving  seaward  ;  but  the  curious  and  anx- 
ious eyes  of  Ludlow  made  fruitless  efforts  to 
penetrate  its  secrets.  Once,  indeed,  more  than 
an  hour  after  the  gust  had  reached  his  own  ship, 
and  when  the  ocean  in  the  offing  was  clear  and 
calm,  he  thought  he  could  distinguish,  far  to  sea- 
ward, the  delicate  tracery  of  a  vessel's  spars, 
drawn  against  the  horizon,  without  any  canvas 
set.  But  a  second  look  did  not  assure  him  of 
the  truth  of  the  conjecture. 

There  were  many  extraordinary  tales  related 
that  night,  on  board  her  Britannic  majesty's  ship 
Coquette.  The  boatswain  affirmed  that,  while  pip- 
ing below  in  order  to  overhaul  the  cables,  he  had 
heard  a  screaming  in  the  air,  that  sounded  as  if 
a  hundred  devils  were  mocking  him,  and  which 
he  told  the  gunner,  in  confidence,  he  believed  was 
no  more  than  the  winding  of  a  call  on  board  the 
brigantine,  who  had  taken  occasion,  when  other 
vessels  were  glad  to  anchor,  to  get  under  way,  in 
her  own  fashion.  There  was  also  a  foretop-man 
named  Kobert  Yarn,  a  fellow  whose  faculty  for 
story-telling  equalled  that  of  Scheherazade,  and 
who  not  only  asserted,  but  who  confirmed  the  dec- 
laration by  many  strange  oaths,  that  while  he  lay 
on  the  lee-foretop-sail-yard-arm,  stretching  forth 
an  arm  to  grasp  the  leech  of  the  sail,  a  dark-look- 
ing female  fluttered  over  his  head,  and  caused  her 
long  hair  to  whisk  into  his  face,  in  a  manner  that 
compelled  him  to  shut  his  eyes,  which  gave  occa- 


sion to  a  smart  reprimand  from  the  reefer  of  the 
top.  There  was  a  feeble  attempt  to  explain  this 
assault,  by  the  man  who  lay  next  to  Yarn,  who 
affected  to  think  the  hair  was  no  more  than  the 
end  of  a  gasket  whipping  in  the  wind ;  but  his 
shipmate,  who  had  pulled  one  of  the  oars  of  the 
yawl,  soon  silenced  this  explanation,  by  the  virtue 
of  his  long-established  reputation  for  veracity. 
Even  Trysail  ventured  several  mysterious  con- 
jectures concerning  the  fate  of  the  brigantine,  in 
the  gun-room  ;  but,  on  returning  from  the  duty 
of  sounding  the  inlet,  whither  he  had  been  sent 
by  his  captain,  he  was  less  communicative  and 
more  thoughtful  than  usual.  It  appeared,  indeed, 
from  the  surprise  that  was  manifested  by  every 
officer  that  heard  the  report  of  the  quartermas- 
ter, who  had  given  the  casts  of  the  lead  on  this 
service,  that  no  one  in  the  ship,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  Alderman  Yan  Beverout,  was  at  all  aware 
that  there  was  rather  more  than  two  fathoms  of 
water  in  that  secret  passage. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

"  Sirs,  take  your  places,  and  be  vigilant." 

Hbney  IV. 

The  succeeding  day  was  one  in  which  the 
weather  had  a  fixed  character.  The  wind  was 
east,  and,  though  light,  not  fluctuating.  The  air 
had  that  thick  and  hazy  appearance  which  prop- 
erly belongs  to  the  autumn  in  this  climate,  but 
which  is  sometimes  seen  at  midsummer,  when  a 
dry  wind  blows  from  the  ocean.  The  roll  of  the 
surf  on  the  shore  was  regular  and  monotonous, 
and  the  currents  of  the  air  were  so  steady  as  to 
remove  every  apprehension  of  a  change.  The 
moment  to  which  the  action  of  the  tale  is  trans- 
ferred was  in  the  earlier  hours  of  the  afternoon. 

At  that  time  the  Coquette  lay  again  at  her  an- 
chors, just  within  the  shelter  of  the  cape.  There 
were  a  few  small  sails  to  be  seen  passing  up  the 
bay ;  but  the  scene,  as  was  common  at  that  dis- 
tant day,  presented  little  of  the  activity  of  our 
own  times.  The  windows  of  the  Lust  in  Rust 
were  again  open,  and  the  movement  of  the  slaves 
in  and  about  the  villa  announced  the  presence  of 
its  master. 

The  alderman  was  in  truth,  at  the  hour  named, 
pacing  the  little  lawn  in  front  of  la  Gourdes  Fees, 
accompanied  by  Oloff  Van  Staats  and  the  com- 
mander of  the  cruiser.  It  was  evident,  by  the 
frequent  glances  which  the  latter  threw  in  the  di- 
rection of  the  pavilion,  that  he  still  thought  of  her 
who  was  absent ;  while  the  faculties  of  the  two 


88 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


others  were  either  in  better  subjection,  or  less 
stimulated  by  anxiety.  One  who  understood  the 
character  of  the  individual,  and  who  was  acquaint- 
ed with  tbe  past,  might  have  suspected,  by  this 
indifference  on  the  part  of  the  patroon,  placed  as 
it  was  in  such  a  singular  contrast  to  a  sort  of 
mysterious  animation  which  enlivened  a  counte- 
nance whose  ordinary  expression  was  placid  con- 
tent, that  the  young  suitor  thought  less  than 
formerly  of  the  assets  of  old  Etienne,  and  more 
of  the  secret  pleasure  he  found  in  the  singular  in- 
cidents of  which  he  had  been  a  witness. 

"  Propriety  and  discretion  !  "  observed  the 
burgher,  in  reply  to  a  remark  of  one  of  the  young 
men — "I  say  again,  for  the  twentieth  time,  that 
we  shall  have  Alida  Barberie  back  among  us  as 
handsome,  as  innocent,  ay,  and  as  rich  as  ever — 
perhaps  I  should  also  say,  as  wilful !  A  baggage — 
to  worry  her  old  uncle,  and  two  honorable  suit- 
ors, in  so  thoughtless  a  manner !  Circumstances, 
gentlemen,"  continued  the  wary  merchant,  who 
saw  that  the  value  of  the  hand  of  which  he  had 
to  dispose,  was  somewhat  reduced  in  the  market, 
"  have  placed  you  on  a  footing  in  my  esteem. 
Should  my  niece,  after  all,  prefer  Captain  Ludlow 
for  a  partner,  in  her  worldly  affairs,  why  it  should 
not  weaken  friendship  between  the  son  of  old 
Stephanus  Van  Staats  and  Myndert  Van  Bever- 
out.  Our  grandmothers  were  cousins,  and  there 
should  be  charities  in  the  same  blood." 

"I  could  not  wish  to  press  my  suit,"  returned 
the  patroon,  "  when  the  lady  has  given  so  direct 
a  hint  that  it  is  disagreeable — " 

"Hint  me  no  hints !  Do  you  call  this  caprice 
of  a  moment,  this  trifling,  as  the  captain  here 
would  call  it,  with  the  winds  and  tides,  a  hint  ? 
The  girl  has  Norman  blood  in  her  veins,  and  she 
wishes  to  put  animation  into  the  courtship.  If 
bargains  were  to  be  interrupted  by  a  little  cheap- 
ening of  the  buyer,  and  some  affectation  of  wait- 
ing for  a  better  market  in  the  seller,  her  majesty 
might  as  well  order  her  custom-houses  to  be  closed 
at  once,  and  look  to  other  sources  for  revenue. 
Let  the  girl's  fancy  have  its  swing,  and  the  profits 
of  a  year's  peltry  against  thy  rent-roll,  we  shall  see 
her  penitent  for  her  folly,  and  willing  to  hear  rea- 
son. My  sister's  daughter  is  no  witch  to  go  jour- 
neying forever  about  the  world  on  a  broom- 
stick ! " 

"  There  is  a  tradition  in  our  family,"  said 
Oloff  Van  Staats,  his  eye  lighting  with  a  mysteri- 
ous excitement,  while  he  affected  to  laugh  at  the 
folly  he  uttered,  "that  the  great  Poughkeepsie 
fortune-teller  foretold  in  the  presence  of  my  grand- 
mother, that  a  Patroon  of  Kinderhook  should  in- 
termarry with  a  witch.    So,  should  I  see  la  belle  ' 


in  the  position  you  name,  it  would  not  greatly 
alarm  me." 

"  The  prophecy  was  fulfilled  at  the  wedding 
of  thy  father  ! "  muttered  Myndert,  who,  notwith- 
standing the  outward  levity  with  which  he  treated 
the  subject,  was  not  entirely  free  from  secret  rev- 
erence for  the  provincial  soothsayers,  some  of 
whom  continued  in  high  repute,  even  to  the  close 
of  the  last  century.  "  His  son  would  not  else 
have  been  so  clever  a  youth ! — But  here  is  Cap- 
tain Ludlow  looking  at  the  ocean  as  if  he  expected 
to  see  my  niece  rise  out  of  the  water  in  the  shape 
of  a  mermaid." 

The  commander  of  the  Coquette  pointed  to 
the  object  which  attracted  his  gaze,  and  which, 
appearing  as  it  did  at  that  moment,  was  certainly 
not  of  a  nature  to  lessen  the  faith  of  either  of  his 
companions  in  supernatural  agencies. 

It  has  been  said  that  the  wind  was  dry  and 
the  air  misty,  or  rather  so  pregnant  with  a  thin 
haze,  as  to  give  it  the  appearance  of  a  dull,  smoky 
light.  In  such  a  state  of  the  weather,  the  eye, 
more  especially  of  one  placed  on  an  elevation,  is 
unable  to  distinguish  what  is  termed  the  visible 
horizon  at  sea.  The  two  elements  become  so 
blended,  that  our  organs  cannot  tell  where  the 
water  ends,  or  where  the  void  of  the  heavens 
commences.  It  is  a  consequence  of  this  indis- 
tinctness that  any  object  seen  beyond  the  appar- 
ent boundary  of  water,  has  the  appearance  of 
floating  in  the  air.  It  is  rare  for  the  organs  of  a 
landsman  to  penetrate  beyond  the  apparent  limits 
of  the  sea,  when  the  atmosphere  exhibits  this 
peculiarity,  though  the  practised  eye  of  a  mariner 
often  detects  vessels  which  are  hid  from  others, 
merely  because  they  are  not  sought  in  the  proper 
place.  The  deception  may  also  be  aided  by  a 
slight  degree  of  refraction. 

"  Here,"  said  Ludlow,  pointing  in  a  line  that 
would  have  struck  the  water  some  two  or  three 
leagues  in  the  offing.  "  First  bring  the  chimney 
of  yonder  low  building  on  the  plain  in  a  range 
with  the  dead  oak  on  the  shore,  and  then  raise 
your  eyes  slowly,  till  they  strike  a  sail." 

"  That  ship  is  navigating  the  heavens  !  "  ex- 
claimed Myndert.  "  Thy  gran chn  other  was  a  sen- 
sible woman,  patroon ;  she  was  a  cousin  of  my 
pious  progenitor,  and  there  is  no  knowing  what 
two  clever  old  ladies  in  their  time  may  have  heard 
and  seen,  when  such  sights  as  this  are  beheld 
in  our  own !  " 

"  I  am  as  little  disposed  as  another  to  put 
faith  in  incredible  things,"  gravely  returned  Oloff 
Van  Staats ;  "  and  yet,  if  required  to  give  my 
testimony,  I  should  be  reluctant  to  say  that  yon- 
der vessel  is  not  floating  in  the  heavens  ! " 


THE  CHASE. 


89 


"You  might  not  give  it  to  that  effect  in 
safety,"  said  Ludlow.  "  It  is  no  other  than  a  half- 
rigged  brigantine  on  a  taut  bowline,  though  she 
bears  no  great  show  of  canvas. — Mr.  Van  Bever- 
out,  her  majesty's  cruiser  is  about  to  put  to  sea." 

Myndert  heard  this  declaration  in  visible  dis- 
satisfaction. He  spoke  of  the  virtue  of  patience, 
and  of  the  comforts  of  the  solid  ground;  but 
when  he  found  the  intention  of  the  queen's  ser- 
vant was  not  to  be  shaken,  he  reluctantly  pro- 
fessed an  intention  of  repeating  the  personal  ex- 
periment of  the  preceding  day.  Accordingly, 
within  half  an  hour  the  whole  party  were  on  the 
banks  of  the  Shrewsbury,  and  about  to  embark  in 
the  barge  of  the  Coquette. 

"  Adieu,  Monsieur  Francis,"  said  the  alder- 
man, nodding  his  head  to  the  ancient  valet,  who 
stood  with  a  disconsolate  air  on  the  shore.  "  Have 
a  care  of  the  movables  in  la  Cour  des  Fees ;  we 
have  further  use  for  them." 

"Mais,  Monsieur  Beevre,  mon  devoir  et  ma 
foi,  suppose  la  mer  was  plus  agreable,  mon  d6sir 
shall  be  to  suivre  Mam'selle  Alida.  Jamais  per- 
sonne  de  la  famille  Barberie  love  de  sea  ;  mais, 
monsieur,  comment  faire  ?  I  shall  die  sur  la  mer 
de  douleur  ;  and  I  shall  die  d'ennui,  to  rester  ici 
bien  sur !  " 

"  Come,  then,  faithful  Francois,"  said  Ludlow. 
"  You  shall  follow  your  young  mistress ;  and  per- 
haps on  further  trial  you  may  be  disposed  to 
think  the  lives  of  us  seamen  more  tolerable  than 
you  had  believed." 

After  an  eloquent  expression  of  countenance, 
in  which  the  secretly  amused  though  grave-look- 
ing boat's  crew  thought  the  old  man  was  about 
to  give  a  specimen  of  his  powers  of  anticipation, 
the  affectionate  domestic  entered  the  barge.  Lud- 
low felt  for  his  distress,  and  encouraged  him  by 
a  look  of  approbation.  The  language  of  kindness 
does  not  always  need  a  tongue;  and  the  con- 
science of  the  valet  smote  him  with  the  idea  that 
he  might  have  expressed  himself  too  strongly  con- 
cerning a  profession  to  which  the  other  had  de- 
voted life  and  hopes. 

"La  mer,  Monsieur  le  Capitaine,"  he  said, 
with  an  acknowledging  reverence,  "  est  un  vaste 
theatre  de  la  gloire.  Voila  Messieurs  de  Tour- 
ville  et  Dougay  Trouin;  ce  sont  deshommes  vrai- 
ment  remarquables  !  mais,  monsieur,  quant  a  tout 
la  famille  de  Barberie,  we  have  toujours  un  senti- 
ment plus  favorable  pour  la  terre." 

"  I  wish  your  whimsical  jade  of  a  mistress, 
Master  Francis,  had  found  the  same  sentiment," 
dryly  observed  Myndert ;  "  for,  let  me  tell  you,  this 
cruising  about  in  a  suspicious  vessel  is  as  little 
creditable  to  her  judgment  as — cheer  up,  patroon ; 


the  girl  is  only  putting  thy  metal  to  the  trial,  and 
the  sea-air  will  do  no  damage  to  her  complexion 
or  her  pocket. — A  little  predilection  for  salt-wa- 
ter must  raise  the  girl  in  your  estimation,  Captain 
Ludlow  ?  " 

"  If  the  predilection  goes  no  further  than  the 
element,  sir,"  was  the  caustic  answer.  "  But,  de- 
luded or  not,  erring  or  deceived,  Alida  Barberie 
is  not  to  be  deserted,  the  victim  of  a  villain's  arts. 
I  did  love  your  niece,  Mr.  Yan  Beverout,  and — 
pull  with  a  will,  men ;  fellows,  are  you  sleeping  on 
the  oars  ?  " 

The  sudden  manner  in  which  the  young  man 
interrupted  himself,  and  the  depth  of  tone  in 
which  he  spoke  to  the  boat's  crew,  put  an  end  to 
the  discourse.  It  was  apparent  that  he  wished 
to  say  no  more,  and  that  he  even  regretted  the 
weakness  which  had  induced  him  to  say  so  much. 
The  remainder  of  the  distance  between  the  shore 
and  the  ship  was  passed  in  silence. 

When  Queen  Anne's  cruiser  was  seen  doub- 
ling Sandy  Hook,  past  meridian  on  the  6th  June 
(sea-time)  in  the  year  17 — ,  the  wind,  as  stated 
in  an  ancient  journal,  which  was  kept  by  one  of 
the  midshipmen,  and  is  still  in  existence,  was  light, 
steady  at  south  and  by  west-half-west.  It  ap- 
pears, by  the  same  document,  that  the  vessel  took 
her  departure  at  seven  o'clock,  p.  m.,  the  point  of 
Sandy  Hook,  bearing  west-half-south,  distant 
three  leagues.  On  the  same  page  which  contains 
these  particulars,  it  is  observed,  under  the  head 
of  remarks :  "  Ship  under  starboard  steering 
sails,  forward  and  aft,  making  six  knots.  A  sus- 
picious half-rigged  brigantine  lying-to  in  the  east- 
ern board,  under  her  mainsail,  with  fore-topsail 
to  the  mast ;  light  and  lofty  sails  and  jib  loose ; 
foresail  in  the  brails.  Her  starboard  steering 
sail-booms  appear  to  be  rigged  out,  and  the  gear 
rove,  ready  for  a  run.  This  vessel  is  supposed  to  be 
the  celebrated  hermaphrodite  Water-Witch,  com- 
manded by  the  notorious  '  Skimmer  of  the  Seas,' 
and  the  same  fellow  who  gave  us  so  queer  a  slip 
yesterday.  The  Lord  send  us  a  capful  of  wind, 
and  we'll  try  his  heels,  before  morning ! — Passen- 
gers, Alderman  Yan  Beverout,  of  the  second  ward 
of  the  city  of  New  York,  in  her  majesty's  province 
of  the  same  name  ;  Oloff  Yan  Staats,  Esq.,  com- 
monly called  the  Patroon  of  Kinderhook,  of  the 
same  colony ;  and  a  qualmish-looking  old  chap,  in  a 
sort  of  marine's  jacket,  who  answers  when  hailed 
as  Francis.  A  rum  set  taken  altogether,  though 
they  seem  to  suit  the  captain's  fancy.  Mem. — 
Each  lipper  of  a  wave  works  like  tartar-emetic  on 
the  lad  in  marine  gear." 

As  no  description  of  ours  can  give  a  more 
graphic  account  of  the  position  of  the  two  vessels 


00 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


in  question,  at  the  time  named,  than  that  which 
is  contained  in  the  foregoing  extract,  we  shall 
take  up  the  narrative  at  that  moment,  which  the 
reader  will  see  must,  in  the  fortieth  degree  of  lati- 
tude, and  in  the  month  of  June,  have  been  shortly 
after  the  close  of  the  day. 

The  young  votary  of  Neptune,  whose  opinions 
have  just  been  quoted,  had  indeed  presumed  on 
his  knowledge  of  the  localities,  in  affirming  the 
distance  and  position  of  the  cape,  since  the  low 
sandy  point  was  no  longer  visible  from  the  deck. 
The  sun  had  set,  as  seen  from  the  vessel,  precise- 
ly in  the  mouth  of  the  Raritan ;  and  the  shadows 
from  Navesink,  or  Neversink,  as  the  hills  are 
vulgarly  called,  were  thrown  far  upon  the  sea. 
In  short,  the  night  was  gathering  round  the  mari- 
ners, with  every  appearance  of  settled  and  mild 
weather,  but  of  a  darkness  deeper  than  is  com- 
mon on  the  ocean.  Under  such  circumstances, 
the  great  object  was  to  keep  on  the  track  of  the 
chase,  during  the  time  when  she  must  necessarily 
be  hid  from  their  sight. 

Ludlow  walked  into  the  lee-gangway  of  his 
ship,  and,  leaning  with  his  elbow  on  the  empty 
hammock-cloths,  he  gazed  long  in  silence  at  the 
object  of  his  pursuit.  The  Water- Witch  was  ly- 
ing in  the  quarter  of  the  horizon  most  favorable 
to  being  seen.  The  twilight,  which  still  fell  out 
of  the  heavens,  was  without  glare  in  that  direc- 
tion ;  and,  for  the  first  time  that  day,  he  saw  her 
in  her  true  proportions.  The  admiration  of  a  sea- 
man was  blended  with  the  other  sensations  of  the 
young  man.  The  brigantine  lay  in  the  position 
that  exhibited  her  exquisitely-moulded  hull  and 
rakish  rig  to  the  most  advantage.  The  head,  hav- 
ing come  to  the  wind,  was  turned  toward  her 
pursuer  ;  and  as  the  bows  rose  on  some  swell  that 
was  heavier  than  common,  Ludlow  saw,  or  fancied 
he  saw,  the  mysterious  image  still  perched  on  her 
cutwater,  holding  the  book  to  the  curious,  and 
ever  pointing  with  its  finger  across  the  waste  of 
water.  A  movement  of  the  hammock  -  cloths 
caused  the  young  sailor  to  bend  his  head  aside, 
and  he  then  saw  that  the  master  had  drawn  as 
near  his  person  as  discipline  would  warrant. 
Ludlow  had  a  great  respect  for  the  professional 
attainments  that  his  inferior  unquestionably  pos- 
sessed ;  and  he  was  not  without  some  considera- 
tion for  the  chances  of  a  fortune,  which  had  not 
done  much  to  reward  the  privations  and  the  ser- 
vices of  a  seaman  old  enough  to  be  his  father. 
The  recollection  of  these  facts  always  disposed 
him  to  be  indulgent  to  a  man  who  had  little  be- 
yond his  seaman-like  character  and  long  experi- 
ence to  recommend  him. 

"  We  are  likely  to  have  a  thick  night,  Master 


Trysail,"  said  the  young  captain,  without  deeming 
it  necessary  to  change  his  look,  "  and  we  may 
yet  be  brought  on  a  bowline,  before  yonder  inso- 
lent is  overhauled." 

The  master  smiled,  like  one  who  knew  more 
than  he  expressed,  and  gravely  shook  his  head. 

"  We  may  have  many  pulls  on  our  bowlines, 
and  some  squaring  of  yards,  too,  before  the  Co- 
quette "  (the  figure-head  of  the  sloop-of-war  was 
also  a  female)  "  gets  near  enough  to  the  dark-faced 
woman,  under  the  bowsprit  of  the  brigantine,  to 
whisper  her  mind.  You  and  I  have  been  nigh 
enough  to  see  the  white  of  her  eyes,  and  to  count 
the  teeth  she  shows,  in  that  cunning  grin  of  hers 
— and  what  good  has  come  of  our  visit  ?  I  am 
but  a  subordinate,  Captain  Ludlow,  and  I  know 
my  duty  too  well  not  to  be  silent  in  a  squall,  and 
I  hope  too  well  not  to  know  how  to  speak  when 
my  commander  wishes  the  opinions  of  his  officers 
at  a  council ;  and  therefore  mine,  just  now,  is  per- 
haps different  from  that  of  some  others  in  this 
ship,  that  I  will  not  name,  who  are  good  men,  too, 
though  none  of  the  oldest." 

"And  what  is  thy  opinion,  Trysail?  The 
ship  is  doing  well,  and  she  carries  her  canvas 
bravely." 

"The  ship  behaves  like  a  well-bred  young 
woman  in  the  presence  of  the  queen  ;  modest,  but 
stately — but  of  what  use  is  canvas,  in  a  chase 
where  witchcraft  breeds  squalls  and  shortens  sail 
in  one  vessel,  while  it  gives  flying  kites  to  another  ? 
If  her  majesty,  God  bless  her  !  should  be  ever  per- 
suaded to  do  so  silly  a  thing  as  to  give  old  Tom 
Trysail  a  ship,  and  the  said  ship  lay,  just  here- 
away, where  the  Coquette  is  now  getting  along  so 
cleverly,  why  then,  as  in  duty  bound,  I  know  very 
well  what  her  commander  would  do — " 

"  Which  would  be—" 

"  To,  in  all  studding-sails,  and  bring  the  ves- 
sel on  the  wind." 

"  That  would  be  to  carry  you  to  the  south- 
ward, while  the  chase  lies  here  in  the  eastern 
board !  " 

"  Who  can  say  how  long  she  will  lie  there  ? 
They  told  us,  in  York,  that  there  was  a  French- 
man, of  our  burden  and  metal,  rummaging  about 
among  the  fishermen,  lower  down  on  the  coast. 
Now,  sir,  no  man  knows  that  the  war  is  half  over 
better  than  myself,  for  not  a  ha'penny  of  prize- 
money  has  warmed  my  pocket  these  three  years ; 
but,  as  I  was  saying,  if  a  Frenchman  will  come 
off  his  ground,  and  will  run  his  ship  into  troubled 
water,  why — whose  fault  is  it  but  his  own?  A 
pretty  affair  might  be  made  out  of  such  a  mistake, 
Captain  Ludlow ;  whereas  running  after  yonder 
brigantine  is  flapping  out  the  queen's  canvas  for 


THE  CAPTAIN  AND 


HIS  SUBORDINATE.  91 


nothing.  The  vessel's  bottom  will  want  new 
sheathing  in  my  opinion,  before  you  catch  him." 

"  I  know  not,  Trysail,"  returned  his  captain, 
glancing  an  eye  aloft ;  "  every  thing  draws,  and 
the  ship  never  went  along  with  less  trouble  to  her- 
self. We  shall  not  know  which  has  the  longest 
legs,  till  the  trial  is  made." 

"  You  may  judge  of  the  rogue's  speed  by  his 
impudence.  There  he  lies,  waiting  for  us,  like  a 
line-of-battle  ship  lying-to  for  an  enemy  to  come 
down.  Though  a  man  of  some  experience  in  my 
way,  I  have  never  seen  a  lord's  son  more  sure  of 
promotion  than  that  same  brigantine  seems  to  be 
of  his  heels  !  If  this  old  Frenchman  goes  on  with 
his  faces  much  longer,  he  will  turn  himself  inside- 
out,  and  then  we  shall  get  an  honest  look  at  him, 
for  these  fellows  never  carry  their  true  characters 
above-board,  like  a  fair-dealing  Englishman. — 
Well,  sir,  as  I  was  remarking,  yon  rover,  if  rover 
he  be,  has  more  faith  in  his  canvas  than  in  the 
Church.  I  make  no  doubt,  Captain  Ludlow,  that 
the  brigantine  went  through  the  inlet  while  we 
were  handing  our  topsails  yesterday;  for  I  am 
none  of  those  who  are  in  a  hurry  to  give  credit 
to  any  will-o'-the-wisp  tale ;  besides  which,  I 
sounded  the  passage  with  my  own  hands,  and 
know  the  thing  to  be  possible,  with  the  wind  blow- 
ing heavy  over  the  taffrail ;  still,  sir,  human  na- 
ture is  human  nature,  and  what  is  the  oldest  sea- 
man, after  all,  but  a  man  ?  And  so,  to  conclude, 
I  would  rather  any  day  chase  a  Frenchman,  whose 
disposition  is  known  to  me,  than  have  the  credit 
of  making  traverses,  for  eight-and-forty  hours,  in 
the  wake  of  one  of  these  fliers,  with  little  hope 
of  getting  him  within  hail." 

"  You  forget,  Master  Trysail,  that  I  have  been 
aboard  the  chase,  and  know  something  of  his  build 
and  character." 

u  They  say  as  much  aboard  here,"  returned 
the  old  tar,  drawing  nearer  to  the  person  of  his 
captain,  under  an  impulse  of  strong  curiosity ; 
"  though  none  presume  to  be  acquainted  with  the 
particulars.  I  am  not  one  of  those  who  ask  im- 
pertinent questions,  more  especially  under  her 
majesty's  pennant ;  for  the  worst  enemy  I  have 
will  not  say  I  am  very  womanish.  One  would 
think,  however,  that  there  was  neat  work  on  board 
a  craft  that  is  so  prettily  moulded  about  her 
water-lines." 

"  She  is  perfect  as  to  construction,  and  ad- 
mirable in  gear." 

"I  thought  as  much,  by  instinct!  Her  com- 
mander need  not,  however,  be  any  the  more  sure 
of  keeping  her  off  the  rocks,  on  that  account. 
The  prettiest  young  woman  in  our  parish  was 
wrecked,  as  one  might  say,  on  the  shoals  of  her 


own  good  looks,  having  cruised  once  too  often 
in  the  company  of  the  squire's  son.  A  comely 
wench  she  was,  though  she  luffed  athwart  all  her 
old  companions,  when  the  young  lord  of  the 
manor  fell  into  her  wake.  Well,  she  did  bravely 
enough,  sir,  as  long  as  she  could  carry  her  flying 
kites,  and  make  a  fair  wind  of  it ;  but,  when  the 
squall  of  which  I  spoke  overtook  her,  what  could 
she  do  but  keep  away  before  it  ? — and,  as  others 
who  are  snugger  in  their  morals  hove-to,  as  it 
were,  under  the  storm-sails  of  religion  and  such 
matters  as  they  had  picked  up  in  the  catechism, 
she  drifted  to  leeward  of  all  honest  society !  A 
neatly-built  and  clean-heeled  hussy  was  that  girl ; 
and  I  am  not  certain,  by  any  means,  that  Mrs. 
Trysail  would  this  day  call  herself  the  lady  of  a 
queen's  officer,  had  the  other  known  how  to  carry 
sail  in  the  company  of  her  betters." 

The  worthy  master  drew  a  long  breath,  which 
possibly  was  a  nautical  sigh,  but  which  certainly 
had  more  of  the  north  wind  than  of  the  zephyr 
in  its  breathing  ;  and  he  had  recourse  to  the  little 
box  of  iron,  whence  he  usually  drew  consolation. 

"  I  have  heard  of  this  accident  before,"  re- 
turned Ludlow,  who  had  sailed  as  a  midshipman 
in  the  same  vessel  with,  and  indeed  as  a  subordi- 
nate to,  his  present  inferior.  "  But,  from  all  ac- 
counts, you  have  little  reason  to  regret  the  change, 
as  I  hear  the  best  character  of  your  present 
worthy  partner." 

"  No  doubt,  sir,  no  doubt.  I  defy  any  man 
in  the  ship  to  say  that  I  am  a  backbiter,  even 
against  my  wife,  with  whom  I  have  a  sort  of  law- 
ful right  to  deal  candidly.  I  make  no  complaints, 
and  am  a  happy  man  at  sea,  and  I  piously  hope 
Mrs.  Trysail  knows  how  to  submit  to  her  duty  at 
home. — I  suppose  you  see,  sir,  that  the  chase 
has  hauled  his  yards,  and  is  getting  his  fore-tack 
aboard  ?  "  Ludlow,  whose  eye  did  not  often  turn 
from  the  brigantine,  nodded  assent ;  and  the  mas- 
ter, having  satisfied  himself,  by  actual  inspection, 
that  every  sail  in  the  Coquette  did  its  duty,  con- 
tinued :  "  The  night  is  coming  on  thick,  and  we 
shall  have  occasion  for  all  our  eyes  to  keep  the 
rogue  in  view,  when  he  begins  to  change  his  bear- 
ings— but,  as  I  was  saying,  if  the  commander  of 
yonder  half-rig  is  too  vain  of  her  good  looks,  he 
may  yet  wreck  her  in  his  pride  !  The  rogue  has 
a  desperate  character  as  a  smuggler,  though,  for 
my  own  part,  I  cannot  say  that  I  look  on  such 
men  with  as  unfavorable  an  eye  as  some  others. 
This  business  of  trade  seems  to  be  a  sort  of  chase 
between  one  man's  wits  and  another  man's  wits, 
and  the  dullest  goer  must  be  content  to  fall  to 
leeward.  When  it  comes  to  be  a  question  of 
revenue,  why,  he  who  goes  free  is  lucky,  and  he 


92 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


who  is  caught  a  prize.  I  have  known  a  flag- 
officer  look  the  other  way,  Captain  Ludlow,  when 
his  own  effects  were  passing  duty-free  ;  and,  as  to 
your  admiral's  lady,  she  is  a  great  patroness  of 
the  contraband.  I  do  not  deny,  sir,  that  a  smug- 
gler must  be  caught,  and,  when  caught,  con- 
demned, after  which  there  must  be  a  fair  distri- 
bution among  the  captors  ;  but  all  that  I  mean 
to  say  is,  that  there  are  worse  men  in  the  world 
than  your  British  smuggler — such,  for  instance,  as 
your  Frenchman,  your  Dutchman,  or  your  Don." 

"  These  are  heterodox  opinions  for  a  queen's 
servant,"  said  Ludlow,  as  much  inclined  to  smile 
as  to  frown. 

"  I  hope  I  know  my  duty  too  well  to  preach 
them  to  the  ship's  company,  but  a  man  may  say 
that,  in  a  philosophical  way,  before  his  captain, 
that  he  would  not  let  run  into  a  midshipman's  ear. 
Though  no  lawyer,  I  know  what  is  meant  by  swear- 
ing a  witness  to  the  truth  and  nothing  but  the 
truth.  I  wish  the  queen  got  the  last,  God  bless 
her  !  several  worn-out  ships  would  then  be  broken 
up,  and  better  vessels  sent  to  sea  in  their  places. 
But,  sir,  speaking  in  a  religious  point  of  view,  what 
is  the  difference  between  passing  in  a  trunk  of 
finery,  with  a  duchess's  name  on  the  brass  plate, 
or  in  passing  in  gin  enough  to  fill  a  cutter's  hold  ?  " 

"  One  would  think  a  man  of  your  years,  Mr. 
Trysail,  would  see  the  difference  between  robbing 
the  revenue  of  a  guinea  and  robbing  it  of  a  thou- 
sand pounds." 

"  Which  is  just  the  difference  between  retail 
and  wholesale — and  that  is  no  trifle,  I  admit,  Cap- 
tain Ludlow,  in  a  commercial  country,  especially 
in  genteel  life.  Still,  sir,  revenue  is  the  country's 
right,  and  therefore  I  allow  a  smuggler  to  be  a 
bad  man,  only  not  so  bad  as  those  I  have  just 
named,  particularly  your  Dutchman !  The  queen 
is  right  to  make  those  rogues  lower  their  flags  to 
her  in  the  narrow  seas,  which  are  her  lawful  prop- 
erty ;  because  England,  being  a  wealthy  island, 
and  Holland  no  more  than  a  bit  of  bog  turned  up 
to  dry,  it  is  reasonable  that  we  should  have  the 
command  afloat.  No,  sir,  though  none  of  your  out- 
criers  against  a  man  because  he  has  had  bad  luck 
in  a  chase  with  a  revenue-cutter,  I  hope  I  know 
what  the  natural  rights  of  an  Englishman  are. 
We  must  be  masters,  here,  Captain  Ludlow,  will- 
ye-nill-ye,  and  look  to  the  main  chances  of  trade 
and  manufactures ! " 

"I  had  not  thought  you  so  accomplished  a 
statesman,  Master  Trysail ! " 

"  Though  a  poor  man's  son,  Captain  Ludlow, 
I  am  a  freeborn  Briton,  and  my  education  has  not 
been  entirely  overlooked.  I  hope  I  know  some- 
thing of  the  constitution,  as  well  as  my  betters. 


Justice  and  honor  being  an  Englishman's  mottoes, 
we  must  look  manfully  to  the  main  chance.  We 
are  none  of  your  flighty  talkers,  but  a  reasoning 
people,  and  there  is  no  want  of  deep  thinkers  on 
the  little  island  ;  and  therefore,  sir,  taking  all  to- 
gether, why  England  must  stick  up  for  her  rights  ! 
Here  is  your  Dutchman,  for  instance,  a  ravenous 
cormorant ;  a  fellow  with  a  throat  wide  enough 
to  swallow  all  the  gold  of  the  Great  Mogul,  if  he 
could  get  at  it ;  and  yet  a  vagabond  who  has  not 
even  a  fair  footing  on  the  earth,  if  the  truth  must 
be  spoken  !  Well,  sir,  shall  England  give  up  her 
rights  to  a  nation  of  such  blackguards  ?  No,  sir, 
our  venerable  constitution  and  mother  Church  it- 
self forbid,  and  therefore,  I  say,  dam'me,  lay  them 
aboard,  if  they  refuse  us  any  of  our  natural  rights, 
or  show  a  wish  to  bring  us  down  to  their  own 
dirty  level ! " 

"  Reasoned  like  a  countryman  of  Newton,  and 
with  an  eloquence  that  would  do  credit  to  Cicero  ! 
I  shall  endeavor  to  digest  your  ideas  at  my  lei- 
sure, since  they  are  much  too  solid  food  to  be  dis- 
posed of  in  a  minute.  At  present  we  will  look 
to  the  chase,  for  I  see,  by  the  aid  of  my  glass, 
that  he  has  set  his  studding-sails,  and  is  begin- 
ning to  draw  ahead." 

This  remark  closed  the  dialogue  between  the 
captain  and  his  subordinate.  The  latter  quitted 
the  gangway  with  that  secret  and  pleasurable 
sensation  which  communicates  itself  to  all  who 
have  reason  to  think  they  have  delivered  them- 
selves creditably  of  a  train  of  profound  thought. 

It  was,  in  truth,  time  to  lend  every  faculty 
to  the  movements  of  the  brigantine  ;  for  there  was 
great  reason  to  apprehend  that,  by  changing  her 
direction  in  the  darkness,  she  might  elude  them. 
The  night  was  fast  closing  on  the  Coquette,  and  at 
each  moment  the  horizon  narrowed  around  her, 
so  that  it  was  only  at  uncertain  intervals  the  men 
aloft  could  distinguish  the  position  of  the  chase. 
While  the  two  vessels  were  thus  situated,  Ludlow 
joined  his  guests  on  the  quarter-deck. 

"  A  wise  man  will  trust  to  his  wits,  what  can- 
not be  done  by  force,"  said  the  alderman.  "  I  do 
not  pretend  to  be  much  of  a  mariner,  Captain 
Ludlow,  though  I  once  spent  a  week  in  London, 
and  I  have  crossed  the  ocean  seven  times  to  Rot- 
terdam. We  did  little  in  our  passages,  by  striving 
to  force  Nature.  When  the  nights  came  in  dark, 
as  at  present,  the  honest  schippers  were  content 
to  wait  for  better  times;  by  which  means  we 
were  sure  not  to  miss  our  road,  and  of  finally  ar- 
riving at  the  destined  port  in  safety." 

"You  saw  that  the  brigantine  was  opening  his 
canvas,  when  last  seen  ;  and  he  that  would  move 
fast  must  have  recourse  to  his  sails." 


A  SINGULAR  INCIDENT. 


93 


"  One  never  knows  what  may  be  brewing,  up 
there  in  the  heavens,  when  the  eye  cannot  see  the 
color  of  a  cloud.  I  have  little  knowledge  of  the 
character  of  the  '  Skimmer  of  the  Seas,'  beyond 
that  which  common  fame  gives  him ;  but,  in  the 
poor  judgment  of  a  landsman,  we  should  do  better 
by  showing  lanterns  in  different  parts  of  the  ship, 
lest  some  homeward-bound  vessel  do  us  an  injury, 
and  waiting  until  the  morning  for  further  move- 
ments." 

"We  are  spared  the  trouble,  for,  look,  the  in- 
solent has  set  a  light  hims*elf,  as  if  to  invite  us  to 
follow  !  This  temerity  exceeds  belief!  To  dare 
to  trifle  thus  with  one  of  the  swiftest  cruisers  in 
the  English  fleet !  See  that  every  thing  draws, 
gentlemen,  and  take  a  pull  at  all  the  sheets. 
Hail  the  tops,  sir,  and  make  sure  that  every  thing 
is  home." 

The  order  was  succeeded  by  the  voice  of  the 
officer  of  the  watch,  who  inquired,  as  directed,  if 
each  sail  was  distended  to  the  utmost.  Force 
was  applied  to  some  of  the  ropes,  and  then  a 
general  quiet  succeede/l  to  the  momentary  ac- 
tivity. 

The  brigantine  had  indeed  showed  a  light,  as 
if  in  mockery  of  the  attempt  of  the  royal  cruiser. 
Though  secretly  stung  by  this  open  contempt  of 
their  speed,  the  officers  of  the  Coquette  found 
themselves  relieved  from  a  painful  and  anxious 
duty.  Before  this  beacon  was  seen,  they  were 
obliged  to  exert  their  senses  to  the  utmost,  in 
order  to  get  occasional  glimpses  of  the  position 
of  the  chase ;  while  they  now  steered  in  confi- 
dence for  the  brilliant  little  spot  that  was  gently 
rising  and  falling  with  the  waves. 

"  I  think  we  near  him,"  half  whispered  the 
eager  captain  ;  "  see,  there  is  some  design  visible 
on  the  sides  of  the  lantern.  Hold  ! — Ah !  'tis  the 
face  of  a  woman,  as  I  live  ! " 

"  The  men  of  the  yawl  report  that  the  rover 
shows  this  symbol  in  many  parts  of  his  vessel, 
and  we  know  he  had  the  impudence  to  set  it  yes- 
terday in  our  presence,  even  on  his  ensign." 

"True— true;  take  you  the  glass,  Mr.  Luff, 
and  tell  me  if  there  be  not  a  woman's  face  sketched 
in  front  of  that  light — we  certainly  near  him  fast 
—let  there  be  silence,  fore  and  aft  the  ship.  The 
rogues  mistake  our  bearings  !  " 

"A  saucy-looking  jade,  as  one  might  wish  to 
see  !  "  returned  the  lieutenant.  "  Her  impudent 
laugh  is  visible  to  the  naked  eye." 

"  See  all  clear  for  laying  him  aboard  !  Get  a 
party  to  throw  on  his  decks,  sir !  I  will  lead  them 
myself." 

These  orders  were  given  in  an  under-tone,  and 
rapidly.    They  were  promptly  obeyed.    In  the 


mean  time,  the  Coquette  continued  to  glide  gently 
ahead,  her  sails  thickening  with  the  dew,  and 
every  breath  of  the  heavy  air  acting  with  in- 
creased power  on  their  surfaces.  The  boarders 
were  stationed,  orders  were  given  for  the  most 
profound  silence,  and,  as  the  ship  drew  nearer  to 
the  light,  even  the  officers  were  commanded  not 
to  stir.  Ludlow  stationed  himself  in  the  mizzen 
channels,  to  con  the  ship;  and  his  directions 
were  repeated  to  the  quartermaster  in  a  loud 
whisper. 

"  The  night  is  so  dark,  we  are  certainly  un- 
seen !  "  observed  the  young  man  to  his  second  in 
command,  who  stood  at  his  elbow.  "  They  have 
unaccountably  mistaken  our  position.  Observe 
how  the  face  of  the  painting  becomes  more  dis- 
tinct ;  one  can  see  even  the  curls  of  the  hair. — 
Luff,  sir,  luff — we  will  run  him  aboard  on  his 
weather-quarter." 

"  The  fool  must  be  lying-to  !  "  returned  the 
lieutenant.  "  Even  your  witches  fail  of  common- 
sense  at  times  !  Do  you  see  which  way  he  has 
his  head,  sir  ?  " 

"  I  see  nothing  but  the  light.  It  is  so  dark 
that  our  own  sails  are  scarcely  visible ;  yet  I 
think  here  are  his  yards,  a  little  forward  of  our 
lee  beam." 

"  'Tis  our  own  lower  boom.  I  got  it  out  in 
readiness  for  the  other  tack,  in  case  the  knave 
should  wear.    Are  we  not  running  too  full  ?  " 

"Luff  you  may,  a  little — luff,  or  we  shall  crush 
him ! " 

As  this  order  was  given,  Ludlow  passed  swift- 
ly forward.  He  found  the  boarders  ready  for  a 
spring,  and  he  rapidly  gave  his  orders.  The  men 
were  told  to  carry  the  brigantine  at  every  hazard, 
but  not  to  offer  violence,  unless  serious  resistance 
was  made.  They  were  thrice  enjoined  not  to  en- 
ter the  cabins,  and  the  young  man  expressed  a 
generous  wish  that,  in  every  case,  the  "  Skimmer 
of  the  Seas  "  might  be  taken  alive.  By  the  time 
these  directions  were  given,  the  light  was  so  near 
that  the  malign  countenance  of  the  sea-green  lady 
was  seen  in  every  lineament.  Ludlow  looked  in 
vain  for  the  spars,  in  order  to  ascertain  in  which 
direction  the  head  of  the  brigantine  lay ;  but, 
trusting  to  luck,  he  saw  that  the  decisive  moment 
was  come. 

"  Starboard,  and  run  him  aboard ! — Away 
there,  you  boarders,  away '.  Heave  with  your 
grapnels  ;  heave,  men,  with  a  long  swing,  heave  ! 
— Meet  her,  with  the  helm — hard  down — meet 
her — steady  !  " — was  shouted  in  a  clear,  full,  and 
steady  voice,  that  seemed  to  deepen  at  each  man- 
date which  issued  from  the  lips  of  the  young  cap- 
tain. 


94 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


The  boarders  cheered  heartily,  and  leaped  into 
the  rigging.  The  Coquette  readily  and  rapidly 
yielded  to  the  power  of  her  rudder.  First  inclin- 
ing to  the  light,  and  then  sweeping  up  toward  the 
wind  again,  in  another  instant  she  was  close  upon 
the  chase.  The  irons  were  thrown,  the  men  once 
more  shouted,  and  all  on  board  held  their  breaths 
in  expectation  of  the  crash  of  the  meeting  hulls. 
At  that  moment  of  high  excitement,  the  woman's 
face  rose  a  short  distance  in  the  air,  seemed  to 
smile  in  derision  of  their  attempt,  and  suddenly 
disappeared.  The  ship  passed  steadily  ahead, 
while  no  noise  but  the  sullen  wash  of  the  waters 
was  audible.  The  boarding  irons  were  heard  fall- 
ing heavily  into  the  sea ;  and  the  Coquette  rapid- 
ly overran  the  spot  where  the  light  had  been 
seen,  without  sustaining  any  shock.  Though  the 
clouds  lifted  a  little,  and  the  eye  might  embrace 
a  circuit  of  a  few  hundred  feet,  there  certainly 
was  nothing  to  be  seen  within  its  range,  but  the 
unquiet  element,  and  the  stately  cruiser  of  Queen 
Anne  floating  on  its  bosom. 

Though  its  effects  were  different  on  the  differ- 
ently-constituted minds  of  those  who  witnessed 
the  singular  incident,  the  disappointment  was 
general.  The  common  impression  was  certainly 
unfavorable  to  the  earthly  character  of  the  brig- 
antine ;  and,  when  opinions  of  this  nature  once 
get  possession  of  the  ignorant,  they  are  not  easily 
removed.  Even  Trysail,  though  experienced  in 
the  arts  of  those  who  trifle  with  the  revenue- 
laws,  was  much  inclined  to  believe  that  this  was 
no  vulgar  case  of  floating  lights  or  false  beacons, 
but  a  manifestation  that  others,  besides  those 
who  had  been  regularly  trained  to  the  sea,  were 
occasionally  to  be  found  on  the  waters.  If  Cap- 
tain Ludlow  thought  differently,  he  saw  no  suffi- 
cient reason  to  enter  into  an  explanation  with 
those  who  were  bound  silently  to  obey.  He 
paced  the  quarter-deck  for  many  minutes ;  then 
issued  his  orders  to  the  equally-disappointed  lieu- 
tenants. The  light  canvas  of  the  Coquette  was 
taken  in,  the  studding-sail-gear  unrove,  and  the 
booms  secured.  The  ship  was  brought  to  the 
wind,  and,  her  courses  having  been  hauled  up,  the 
foretop-sail  was  thrown  to  the  mast.  In  this 
position  the  cruiser  lay,  waiting  for  the  morning 
light,  in  order  to  give  greater  certainty  to  her 
movements. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

"  I,  John  Turner, 
Am  master  and  owner 
Of  a  high-decked  schooner, 
That's  bound  to  Carlina— " 
etc.,  etc.,  etc.,  etc. 

CoASTING-SON<J. 

It  is  not  necessary  to  say,  with  how  much  in- 
terest Alderman  Van  Beverout,  and  his  friend 
the  patroon,  witnessed  all  the  proceedings  on 
board  the  Coquette.  Something  very  like  an  ex- 
clamation of  pleasure  escaped  the  former,  when 
it  was  known  that  the  ship  had  missed  the  brig- 
antine,  and  that  there  was  now  little  probability 
of  overtaking  her  that  night. 

"Of  what  use  is  it  to  chase  your  fire-flies 
about  the  ocean,  patroon  ?  "  muttered  the  alder- 
man, in  the  ear  of  Oloff  Van  Staats.  "  I  have  no 
further  knowledge  of  this  Skimmer  of  the  Seas, 
than  is  decent  in  the  principal  of  a  commercial 
house — but  reputation  is  like  a  sky-rocket,  that 
may  be  seen  from  afar  !  Her  majesty  has  no  ship 
that  can  overtake  the  free-trader,  and  why  fatigue 
the  innocent  vessel  for  nothing  ?  " 

"  Captain  Ludlow  has  other  desires  than  the 
mere  capture  of  the  brigantine,"  returned  the 
laconic  and  sententious  patroon.  "  The  opinion 
that  Alida  de  Barberie  is  in  her,  has  great  influ- 
ence with  that  gentleman." 

"  This  is  strange  apathy,  Mr.  Van  Staats,  in 
one  who  is  as  good  as  engaged  to  my  niece,  if  he 
be  not  actually  married.  Alida  Barberie  has 
great  influence  with  that  gentleman !  And  pray, 
with  whom  that  knows  her,  has  she  not  influ- 
ence ?  " 

"  The  sentiment  in  favor  of  the  young  lady, 
in  general,  is  favorable." 

"  Sentiment  and  favors !  Am  I  to  understand, 
sir,  by  this  coolness,  that  our  bargain  is  broken  ? 
— that  the  two  fortunes  are  not  to  be  brought 
together,  and  that  the  lady  is  not  to  be  your 
wife?" 

"Harkee,  Mr.  Van  Beverout;  one  who  is  sav- 
ing of  his  income  and  sparing  of  his  words  can 
have  no  pressing  necessity  for  the  money  of 
others ;  and,  on  occasion,  he  may  afford  to  speak 
plainly.  Your  niece  has  shown  so  decided  a  pref- 
erence for  another  that  it  has  materially  lessened 
the  liveliness  of  my  regard." 

"  It  were  a  pity  that  so  much  animation  should 
fail  of  its  object !  It  would  be  a  sort  of  stoppage 
in  the  affairs  of  Cupid !  Men  should  deal  can- 
didly in  all  business  transactions,  Mr.  Van  Staats ; 
and  you  will  permit  me  to  ask,  as  for  a  final 
settlement,  if  your  mind  is  changed  in  regard 


VAN  BEVEROUT'S  PROPHECY. 


95 


to  the  daughter  of  old  Etienne  de  Barberie,  or 
not  ?  " 

"  Not  changed,  but  quite  decided,"  returned 
the  young  patroon.  "  I  cannot  say  that  I  wish 
the  successor  of  my  mother  to  have  seen  so  much 
of  the  world.  We  are  a  family  that  is  content 
with  our  situation,  and  new  customs  would  de- 
range my  household." 

"  I  am  no  wizard,  sir  ;  but,  for  the  benefit  of 
a  son  of  my  old  friend  Stephanus  Van  Staats,  I 
will  venture,  for  once,  on  a  prophecy.  You  will 
marry,  Mr.  Van  Staats — yes,  marry — and  you  will 
wive,  sir,  with — prudence  prevents  me  from  say- 
ing with  whom  you  will  wive ;  but  you  may  ac- 
count yourself  a  lucky  man  if  it  be  not  with  one 
who  will  cause  you  to  forget  house  and  home, 
lands  and  friends,  manors  and  rents,  and  in  short 
all  the  solid  comforts  of  life.  It  would  not  sur- 
prise me  to  hear  that  the  prediction  of  the  Pough- 
keepsie  fortune-teller  should  be  fulfilled  !  " 

"And  what  is  your  real  opinion,  Alderman 
Van  Beverout,  of  the  different  mysterious  events 
we  have  witnessed  ?  "  demanded  the  patroon,  in 
a  manner  to  prove  that  the  interest  he  took  in  the 
subject  completely  smothered  any  displeasure  he 
might  otherwise  have  felt  at  so  harsh  a  prophecy. 
"  This  sea-green  lady  is  no  common  woman  ?  " 

"Sea-green  and  sky-blue!"  interrupted  the 
impatient  burgher.  "  The  hussy  is  but  too  com- 
mon, sir;  and  there  is  the  calamity.  Had  she 
been  satisfied  with  transacting  her  concerns  in  a 
snug  and  reasonable  manner,  and  to  have  gone 
upon  the  high-seas  again,  we  should  have  had 
none  of  this  foolery  to  disturb  accounts  which 
ought  to  have  been  considered  settled.  Mr.  Van 
Staats,  will  you  allow  me  to  ask  a  few  direct  ques- 
tions, if  you  can  find  leisure  for  their  answer?  " 

The  patroon  nodded  his  head  in  the  affirma- 
tive. 

"  What  do  you  suppose,  sir,  to  have  become 
of  my  niece  ?  " 
"Eloped." 

"  And  with  whom  ?  " 

Van  Staats  of  Kinderhook  stretched  an  arm 
toward  the  open  ocean,  and  again  nodded.  The 
alderman  mused  a  moment ;  then  he  chuckled,  as 
if  some  amusing  idea  had  got  the  better  of  his  ill- 
humor. 

"  Come,  come,  patroon,"  he  said  in  his  wonted 
amicable  tone,  when  addressing  the  lord  of  a 
hundred  thousand  acres,  "  this  business  is  like  a 
complicated  account,  a  little  difficult  till  one  gets 
acquainted  with  the  books,  when  all  becomes 
plain  as  your  hand.  There  were  referees  in  the 
settlement  of  the  estate  of  Kobus  Van  Klinck, 
whom  I  will  not  name;  but  what  between  the 


handwriting  of  the  old  grocer,  and  some  inaccu- 
racy in  the  figures,  they  had  but  a  blind  time  of  it 
until  they  discovered  which  way  the  balance  ought 
to  come;  then  by  working  backward  and  for- 
ward, which  is  the  true  spirit  of  your  just  referee, 
they  got  all  straight  in  the  end.  Kobus  was  not 
very  lucid  in  his  statements,  and  he  was  a  little 
apt  to  be  careless  of  ink.  His  ledger  might  be 
called  a  book  of  the  black  art ;  for  it  was  little 
else  than  fly -tracks  and  blots,  though  the  last  were 
found  of  great  assistance  in  rendering  the  state- 
ments satisfactory.  By  calling  three  of  the  biggest 
of  them  sugar-hogsheads,  a  very  fair  balance  was 
struck  between  him  and  a  peddling  Yankee  who 
was  breeding  trouble  for  the  estate  ;  and  I  chal- 
lenge, even  at  this  distant  day,  when  all  near  inter- 
ests in  the  results  may  be  said  to  sleep,  any  respon- 
sible man  to  say  that  they  did  not  look  as  much 
like  those  articles  as  any  thing  else.  Something 
they  must  have  been,  and,  as  Kobus  dealt  largely 
in  sugar,  there  was  also  a  strong  moral  probability 
that  they  were  the  said  hogsheads.  Come,  come, 
patroon;  we  shall  have  the  jade  back  again  in 
proper  time.  Thy  ardor  gets  the  better  of  rea- 
son ;  but  this  is  the  way  with  true  love,  which  is 
none  the  worse  for  a  little  delay.  Alida  is  not 
one  to  balk  thy  merriment ;  these  Norman  wenches 
are  not  heavy  of  foot  at  a  dance,  or  apt  to  go  to 
sleep  when  the  fiddles  are  stirring !  " 

With  this  consolation,  Alderman  Van  Bever- 
out saw  fit  to  close  the  dialogue,  for  the  moment. 
How  far  he  succeeded  in  bringing  back  the  mind 
of  the  patroon  to  its  allegiance,  the  result  must 
show ;  though  we  shall  take  this  occasion  to  ob- 
serve again  that  the  young  proprietor  found  a 
satisfaction  in  the  excitement  of  the  present  scene, 
that,  in  the  course  of  a  short  and  little  diversified 
life,  he  had  never  before  experienced. 

While  others  slept,  Ludlow  passed  most  of 
the  night  on  deck.  He  laid  himself  down  in  the 
hammock-cloths,  for  an  hour  or  two,  as  the  night 
wore  on ;  though  the  wind  did  not  sigh  through 
the  rigging  louder  than  common,  without  arous- 
ing him  from  his  slumbers.  At  each  low  call  of 
the  officer  of  the  watch  to  the  crew,  his  head  was 
raised  to  glance  around  the  narrow  horizon ;  and 
the  ship  never  rolled  heavily,  without  causing  him 
to  awake.  He  believed  that  the  brigantine  was 
near,  and,  for  the  first  watch,  he  was  not  without 
expectation  that  the  two  vessels  might  unexpect- 
edly meet  in  the  obscurity.  When  this  hope 
failed,  the  young  seaman  had  recourse  to  artifice 
in  his  turn,  in  order  to  entrap  one  who  appeared 
so  practised  and  so  expert  in  the  devices  of  the 
sea. 

About  midnight,  when  the  watches  were 


96 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


changed,  and  the  whole  crew,  with  the  exception 
of  the  idlers,  were  on  deck,  orders  were  given  to 
hoist  out  the  boats.  This  operation,  one  of  ex- 
ceeding toil  and  difficulty  in  lightly-manned  ships, 
was  soon  performed  on  board  the  queen's  cruiser, 
by  the  aid  of  yard  and  stay-tackles,  to  which  the 
force  of  a  hundred  seamen  was  applied.  When 
four  of  these  little  attendants  on  the  ship  were  in 
the  water,  they  were  entered  by  their  crews,  pre- 
pared for  service.  Officers  on  whom  Ludlow  could 
rely,  were  put  in  command  of  the  three  smallest, 
while  he  took  charge  of  the  fourth  in  person. 
When  all  were  ready,  and  each  inferior  had  re- 
ceived his  special  instructions,  they  quitted  the 
side  of  the  vessel,  pulling  off  in  diverging  lines  in 
the  gloom  of  the  ocean.  The  boat  of  Ludlow  had 
not  gone  fifcy  fathoms  before  he  was  perfectly  con- 
scious of  the  inutility  of  a  chase  ;  for  the  obscuri- 
ty of  the  night  was  so  great  as  to  render  the  spars 
of  his  own  ship  nearly  indistinct  even  at  that 
short  distance.  After  pulling  by  compass  some 
ten  or  fiften  minutes,  in  a  direction  that  carried 
him  to  windward  of  the  Coquette,  the  young  man 
commanded  the  crew  to  cease  rowing,  and  pre- 
pared himself  to  await  patiently  for  the  result  of 
his  undertaking. 

There  was  nothing  to  vary  the  monotony  of 
such  a  scene  for  an  hour,  but  the  regular  rolling 
of  a  sea  that  was  but  little  agitated,  a  few  occa- 
sional strokes  of  the  oars  that  were  given  in  or- 
der to  keep  the  barge  in  its  place,  or  the  heavy 
breathing  of  some  smaller  fish  of  the  cetaceous 
kind,  as  it  rose  to  the  surface  to  inhale  the  at- 
mosphere. In  no  quarter  of  the  heavens  was 
any  thing  visible ;  not  even  a  star  was  peeping 
out  to  cheer  the  solitude  and  silence  of  that 
solitary  place.  The  men  where  nodding  on  the 
thwarts,  and  our  young  sailor  was  about  to  re- 
linquish his  design  as  fruitless,  when  suddenly  a 
noise  was  heard  at  no  great  distance  from  the 
spot  where  tbey  lay.  It  was  one  of  those  sounds 
which  would  have  been  inexplicable  to  any  but  a 
seaman,  but  which  conveyed  a  meaning  to  the 
ears  of  Ludlow,  as  plain  as  that  which  could  be 
imparted  by  speech  to  a  landsman.  A  moaning 
creak  was  followed  by  the  low  rumbling  of  a  rope, 
as  it  rubbed  on  some  hard  or  distended  substance  ; 
then  succeeded  the  heavy  flap  of  canvas,  that, 
yielding  first  to  a  powerful  impulse,  was  suddenly 
checked. 

"  Hear  ye  that  ?  "  exclaimed  Ludlow,  a  little 
above  a  whisper.  "  'Tis  the  brigantine  gybing 
his  mainboom !  Give  way,  men — see  all  ready  to 
lay  him  aboard  !  " 

The  crew  started  from  their  slumbers ;  the 
plash  of  oars  was  heard,  and  in  the  succeeding 


moment  the  sails  of  a  vessel  gliding  through  the 
obscurity,  nearly  across  their  course,  were  visi- 
ble. 

"Now  spring  to  your  oars,  men!  "  continued 
Ludlow,  with  the  eagerness  of  one  engaged  in 
chase.  "  We  have  him  to  advantage,  and  he  is 
ours ! — a  long  pull  and  a  strong  pull— steadily, 
boys,  and  together!" 

The  practised  crew  did  their  duty.  It  seemed 
but  a  moment  before  they  were  close  upon  the 
chase. 

"  Another  stroke  of  the  oars  and  she  is  ours  !" 
cried  Ludlow.  "Grapple!  —  to  your  arms! — 
away,  boarders,  away !  " 

These  orders  came  on  the  ears  of  the  men  with 
the  effect  of  martial  blasts.  The  crew  shouted, 
the  clashing  of  arms  was  heard,  and  the  tramp 
of  feet  on  the  deck  of  the  vessel  announced  the 
success  of  the  enterprise.  A  minute  of  extreme 
activity  and  of  noisy  confusion  followed.  The 
cheers  of  the  boarders  had  been  heard  at  a  dis- 
tance ;  and  rockets  shot  into  the  air  from  the 
other  boats,  whose  crews  answered  the  shouts 
with  manful  lungs.  The  whole  ocean  appeared  in 
a  momentary  glow,  and  the  roar  of  a  gun  from  the 
Coquette  added  to  the  fracas.  The  ship  set  sev- 
eral lanterns,  in  order  to  indicate  her  position ; 
while  blue-lights  and  other  marine  signals  were 
constantly  burning  in  the  approaching  boats,  as 
if  those  who  guided  them  were  anxious  to  in- 
timidate the  assailed  by  a  show  of  numbers. 

In  the  midst  of  this  scene  of  sudden  awaken- 
ing from  the  most  profound  quiet,  Ludlow  began 
to  look  about  him,  in  order  to  secure  the  principal 
objects  of  the  capture.  He  had  repeated  his  or- 
ders about  entering  the  cabins,  and  concerning  the 
person  of  the  "  Skimmer  of  the  Seas,"  among  the 
other  instructions  given  to  the  crews  of  the  differ- 
ent boats ;  and  the  instant  they  found  themselves 
in  quiet  possession  of  the  prize,  the  young  man 
dashed  into  the  private  recesses  of  the'  vessel, 
with  a  heart  that  throbbed  even  more  violently 
than  during  the  ardor  of  boardiug.  To  cast  open 
the  door  of  a  cabin  beneath  the  high  quarter- 
deck, and  to  descend,  to  the  level  of  its  floor, 
were  the  acts  of  a  moment.  But  disappoint- 
ment and  mortification  succeeded  to  triumph.  A 
second  glance  was  not  necessary  to  show  that  the 
coarse  work  and  foul  smells  he  saw  and  encoun- 
tered, did  not  belong  to  the  commodious  and  even 
elegant  accommodations  of  the  brigantine. 

"  Here  is  no  Water-Witch  !  "  he  exclaimed 
aloud,  under  the  impulse  of  sudden  surprise. 

"  God  be  praised  !  "  returned  a  voice,  which 
was  succeeded  by  a  frightened  face  from  out  a  state- 
room.   "  We  were  told  the  rover  was  in  the  off- 


ROBERT  YARN'S  OPINION. 


97 


ing,  and  thought  the  yells  could  come  from  noth- 
ing human  ! " 

The  blood  which  had  been  rushing  through 
the  arteries  and  veins  of  Ludlow  so  tumultuous- 
ly,  now  crept  into  his  cheeks,  and  was  felt  ting- 
ling  at  his  fingers'  ends.  He  gave  a  hurried  or- 
der to  his  men  to  reenter  their  boat,  leaving  ev- 
ery thing  as  they  found  it.  A  short  conference 
between  the  commander  of  her  majesty's  ship 
Coquette  and  the  seaman  of  the  state-room,  suc- 
ceeded ;  then  the  former  hastened  on  deck,  whence 
his  passage  into  the  barge  occupied  but  a  mo- 
ment. The  boat  pulled  away  from  the  fancied 
prize  amid  a  silence  that  was  uninterrupted  by 
any  other  sound  than  that  of  a  song,  which, 
to  all  appearance,  came  from  one  who  by  "this 
time  had  placed  himself  at  the  vessel's  helm. 
All  that  can  be  said  of  the  music  is,  that  it  was 
suited  to  the  words,  and  all  that  could  be  heard 
of  the  latter  was  a  portion  of  a  verse,  if  verse  it 
might  be  called,  which  had  exercised  the  talents 
of  some  thoroughly  nautical  mind.  As  we  de- 
pend for  the  accuracy  of  the  quotation  altogether 
on  the  fidelity  of  the  journal  of  the  midshipman 
already  named,  it  is  possible  that  some  injustice 
may  be  done  the  writer;  but,  according  to  that 
document,  he  sang  a  strain  of  the  coasting-song 
which  we  have  prefixed  to  this  chapter  as  its 
motto. 

The  papers  of  the  coaster  did  not  give  a  more 
detailed  description  of  her  character  and  pursuits 
than  that  which  is  contained  in  this  verse.  It  is 
certain  that  the  log-book  of  the  Coquette  was  far 
less  explicit.  The  latter  merely  said  that  "  a 
coaster  called  the  Stately  Pine,  John  Turner, 
master,  bound  from  New  York  to  the  Province 
of  North  Carolina,  was  boarded  at  one  o'clock  in 
the  morning,  all  well."  But  this  description  was 
not  of  a  nature  to  satisfy  the  seamen  of  the  cruis- 
er. Those  who  had  been  actually  engaged  in  the 
expedition  were  much  too  excited  to  see  things 
in  their  true  colors ;  and,  coupled  with  the  two 
previous  escapes  of  the  Water- Witch,  the  event 
just  related  had  no  small  share  in  confirming 
their  former  opinions  concerning  her  character. 
The  sailing-master  was  not  now  alone  in  believ- 
ing that  all  pursuit  of  the  brigantine  was  useless. 

But  these  were  conclusions  that  the  people 
of  the  Coquette  made  at  their  leisure,  rather  than 
those  which  suggested  themselves  on  the  instant. 
The  boats,  led  by  the  flashes  of  light,  had  joined 
each  other,  and  were  rowing  fast  toward  the  ship 
before  the  pulses  of  the  actors  beat  with  sufficient 
calmness  to  admit  of  reflection  ;  nor  was  it  until 
the  adventurers  were  below,  and  in  their  ham- 
mocks, that  they  found  suitable  occasion  to  re- 
7 


late  what  had  occurred  to  a  wondering  auditory. 
Robert  Yarn,  the  foretop-man  who  had  felt  the 
locks  of  the  sea-green  lady  blowing  in  his  face 
during  the  squall,  took  advantage  of  the  circum- 
stance to  dilate  on  his  experiences ;  and,  after  hav- 
ing advanced  certain  positions  that  particularly 
favored  his  own  theories,  he  produced  one  of  the 
crew  of  the  barge  who  stood  ready  to  affirm,  in  any 
court  in  Christendom,  that  he  actually  saw  the 
process  of  changing  the  beautiful  and  graceful 
lines  that  distinguished  the  hull  of  the  smuggler 
into  the  coarser  and  more  clumsy  model  of  the 
coaster. 

"  There  are  know-nothings,"  continued  Rob- 
ert, after  he  had  fortified  his  position  by  the  testi- 
mony in  question,  "  who  would  deny  that  the  wa- 
ter of  the  ocean  is  blue,  because  the  stream  that 
turns  the  parish  mill  happens  to  be  muddy.  But 
your  real  mariner,  who  has  lived  much  in  foreign 
parts,  is  a  man  who  understands  the  philosophy 
of  life,  and  knows  when  to  believe  the  truth  and 
when  to  scorn  a  lie.  As  for  a  vessel  changing 
her  character  when  hard  pushed  in  a  chase,  there 
are  many  instances ;  though,  having  one  so  near 
us,  there  was  less  necessity  to  be  roving  over  dis- 
tant seas  in  search  of  a  case  to  prove  it.  My  own 
opinion  concerning  this  here  brigantine  is  much 
as  follows — that  is  to  say,  I  do  suppose  there  was 
once  a  real  living  hermaphrodite  of  her  build  and 
rig  ;  and  that  she  might  be  employed  in  some 
such  trade  as  this  craft  is  thought  to  be  in  ;  and 
that,  in  some  unlucky  hour,  she  and  her  people  met 
with  a  mishap  that  has  condemned  her  ever  since 
to  appear  on  this  coast  at  stated  times.  She  has, 
however,  a  natural  dislike  to  a  royal  cruiser  ;  and, 
no  doubt,  the  thing  is  now  sailed  by  these  who 
have  little  need  of  compass  or  observation !  All 
this  being  true,  it  is  not  wonderful  that  when  the 
boat's-crew  got  on  her  decks,  they  found  her  dif- 
ferent from  what  they  expected.  This  much  is 
certain,  that  when  I  lay  within  a  boat-hook's 
length  of  her  spritsail-yard-arm,  she  was  a  half- 
rig,  with  a  woman  figure-head,  and  as  pretty  a 
show  of  gear  aloft  as  eye  ever  looked  upon  ;  while 
every  thing  below  was  as  snug  as  a  tobacco-box 
with  the  lid  down :  and  here  you  all  say  that 
she  is  a  high-decked  schooner,  with  nothing  ship- 
shape about  her !  What  more  is  wanting  to  prove 
the  truth  of  what  has  been  stated  ? — if  any  man 
can  gainsay  it,  let  him  speak." 

As  no  man  did  gainsay  it,  it  is  presumed  that 
the  reasoning  of  the  topmsn  gained  many  prose- 
lytes. It  is  scarcely  necessary  to  add,  how  much 
of  mystery  and  fearful  interest  was  thrown  around 
the  redoubtable  "  Skimmer  of  the  Seas,"  by  the 
whole  transaction. 


98 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


There  was  a  different  feeling  on  the  quarter- 
deck. The  two  lieutenants  put  their  heads  to- 
gether and  looked  grave  ;  while  one  or  two  of  the 
midshipmen,  who  had  been  in  the  boats,  were  ob- 
served to  whisper  with  their  messmates,  and  to 
indulge  in  smothered  laughter.  As  the  captain, 
however,  maintained  his  ordinary  dignified  and 
authoritative  mien,  the  merriment  went  no  further 
and  was  soon  repressed. 

While  on  this  subject  it  may  be  proper  to  add 
that,  in  course  of  time,  the  Stately  Pine  reached 
the  capes  of  North  Carolina  in  safety;  and  that, 
having  effected  her  passage  over  Edenton  bar 
without  striking,  she  ascended  the  river  to  the 
point  of  her  destination.  Here  the  crew  soon 
began  to  throw  out  hints  relative  to  an  encounter 
of  their  schooner  with  a  French  cruiser.  As  the 
British  empire,  even  in  its  most  remote  corner, 
was  at  all  times  alive  to  its  nautical  glory,  the 
event  soon  became  the  discourse  in  more  distant 
parts  of  the  colony ;  and,  in  less  than  six  months, 
the  London  journals  contained  a  very  glowing  ac- 
count of  an  engagement,  in  which  the  names  of 
the  Stately  Pine,  and  of  John  Turner,  made  some 
respectable  advances  toward  immortality. 

If  Captain  Ludlow  ever  gave  any  further  ac- 
count of  the  transaction  than  what  was  stated  in 
the  log-book  of  his  ship,  the  bienseance  observed 
by  the  Lords  of  the  Admiralty  prevented  it  from 
becoming  public. 

Returning  from  this  digression,  which  has  no 
other  connection  with  the  immediate  thread  of 
the  narrative  than  that  which  arises  from  a  re- 
flected interest,  we  shall  revert  to  the  further  pro- 
ceedings on  board  the  cruiser. 

When  the  Coquette  hoisted  in  her  boats,  that 
portion  of  the  crew  which  did  not  belong  to  the 
watch  was  dismissed  to  their  hammocks,  the  lights 
were  lowered,  and  tranquillity  once  more  reigned 
in  the  ship.  Ludlow  sought  his  rest,  and  al- 
though there  is  reason  to  think  that  his  slumbers 
were  a  little  disturbed  by  dreams,  he  remained 
tolerably  quiet  in  the  hammock-cloths,  the  place 
in  which  it  has  already  been  said  he  saw  fit  to 
take  his  repose,  until  the  morning  watch  was 
called. 

Although  the  utmost  vigilance  was  observed 
among  the  officers  and  lookouts,  during  the  rest 
of  the  night,  there  occurred  nothing  to  arouse  the 
crew  from  their  usual  recumbent  attitudes  between 
the  guns.  The  wind  continued  light  but  steady, 
the  sea  smooth,  and  the  heavens  clouded,  as  dur- 
ing the  first  hours  of  darkness. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

"  The  mouse  ne'er  shunned  the  cat,  as  they  did  budge 
From  rascals  worse  than  they." 

Coeiolanus. 

Day  dawned  on  the  Atlantic  with  its  pearly 
light,  succeeded  by  the  usual  flushing  of  the  skies, 
and  the  .stately  rising  of  the  sun  from  out  the 
water.  The  instant  the  vigilant  officer  who  com- 
manded the  morning  watch,  caught  the  first 
glimpses  of  the  returning  brightness,  Ludlow  was 
awakened.  A  finger  laid  on  his  arm  was  sufficient  : 
to  arouse  one  who  slept  with  the  responsibility 
of  his  station  ever  present  to  his  mind.  A  min- 
ute did  not  pass  before  the  young  man  was  on 
the  quarter-deck,  closely  examining  the  heavens 
and  the  horizon.  His  first  question  was  to  ask 
if  nothing  had  been  seen  during  the  watch.  The 
answer  was  in  the  negative. 

"  I  like  this  opening  in  the  northwest,"  observed 
the  captain,  after  his  eye  had  thoroughly  scanned 
the  whole  of  the  still  dusky  and  limited  view. 
"■  Wind  will  come  out  of  it.  Give  us  a  capful, 
and  we  shall  try  the  speed  of  this  boasted  Water- 
Witch  ! — Do  I  not  see  a  sail  on  our  weather- 
beam  ? — or  is  it  the  crest  of  a  wave  ?  " 

"  The  sea  is  getting  irregular,  and  I  have 
often  been  thus  deceived,  since  the  light  ap-J 
peared." 

"  Get  more  sail  on  the  ship.  Here  is  wind  in- 
shore of  us  ;  we  will  be  ready  for  it.  See  every 
thing  clear  to  show  all  our  canvas." 

The  lieutenant  received  these  orders  with  the 
customary  deference,  and  communicated  them  to 
his  inferiors  again,  with  a  promptitude  that  dis- 
tinguishes sea  discipline.  The  Coquette,  at  the 
moment,  was  lying  under  her  three  topsails,  one 
of  which  was  thrown  against  its  mast,  in  a  man- 
ner to  hold  the  vessel  as  nearly  stationary  as  the 
drift  and  the  wash  of  the  waves  would  allow. 
So  soon,  however,  as  the  officer  of  the  watch  sum- 
moned the  people  to  exertion,  the  massive  yards 
were  swung ;  several  light  sails  that  served  to 
balance  the  fabric  as  well  as  to  urge  it  ahead, 
were  hoisted  or  opened ;  and  the  ship  immediately 
began  to  move  through  the  water.  While  the 
men  of  the  watch  were  thus  employed,  the  flap- 
ping of  the  canvas  announced  the  approach  of  a 
new  breeze. 

The  coast  of  North  America  is  liable  to  sud- 
den and  dangerous  transitions  in  the  currents  of 
the  air.  It  is  a  circumstance  of  no  unusual  oc- 
currence for  a  gale  to  alter  its  direction  with  so 
little  warning  as  greatly  to  jeopard  the  safety  of 
a  ship  or  even  to  overwhelm  her.    It  has  been 


A  TRIAL 

often  said,  that  the  celebrated  Yille  de  Paris  was 
i  lost  through  one  of  these  violent  changes,  her 
captain  having  inadvertently  hove-to  the  vessel 
under  too  much  after-sail,  a  mistake  by  which  he 
lost  the  command  of  his  ship  during  the  pressing 
emergency  that  ensued.  Whatever  may  have 
been  the  fact  as  regards  that  ill-fated  prize,  it  was 
certain  that  Ludlow  was  perfectly  aware  of  the 
hazards  that  sometimes  accompany  the  first  blasts 
of  a  northwest  wind  on  his  native  coast,  and  that 
he  never  forgot  to  be  prepared  for  the  danger. 

When  the  wind  from  the  land  struck  the  Co- 
quette, the  streak  of  light,  which  announced  the 
appearance  of  the  sun,  had  been  visible  several 
minutes.    As  the  broad  sheets  of  vapor,  that  had 
veiled  the  heavens  during  the  prevalence  of  the 
southeasterly  breeze,  were  rolled  up  into  dense 
masses  of  clouds,  like  some  immense  curtain  that 
is  withdrawn  from  before  its  scene,  the  water,  no 
I  less  than  the  sky,  became  instantly  visible  in 
!  every  quarter.    It  is  scarcely  necessary  to  say, 
I  how  eagerly  the  gaze  of  our  young  seaman  ran 
!  over  the  horizon,  in  order  to  observe  the  objects 
which  might  come  with  inits  range.    At  first,  dis- 
appointment was  plainly  painted  in  his  counte- 
nance; fh'en  succeeded  the  animated  eye  and 
flushed  cheek  of  success. 

"  I  had  thought  her  gone !  "  he  said  to  his  im- 
mediate subordinate  in  authority.  "But  here 
she  is,  to  leeward,  just  within  the  edge  of  that 
driving  mist,  and  as  dead  under  our  lee  as  a  kind 
Fortune  could  place  her.  Keep  the  ship  away,  sir, 
and  cover  her  with  canvas,  from  her  trucks 
down.  Call  the  people  from  their  hammocks, 
and  show  yon  insolent  what  her  majesty's  sloop 
can  do,  at  need  !  " 

This  command  was  the  commencement  of  a 
general  and  hasty  movement,  in  which  every  sea- 
man in  the  ship  exerted  his  powers  to  the  utmost. 
All  hands  were  no  sooner  called,  than  the  depths 
of  the  vessel  gave  up  their  tenants,  who,  joining 
their  force  to  that  of  the  watch  on  deck,  quickly 
covered  the  spars  of  the  Coquette  with  a  snow- 
white  cloud.  Not  content  to  catch  the  breeze  on 
!  such  surfaces  as  the  ordinary  yards  could  distend, 
long  booms  were  thrust  out  over  the  water,  and 
sail  was  set  beyond  sail,  until  the  bending  masts 
would  bear  no  more.  The  low  hull  which  sup- 
ported this  towering  and  complicated  mass  of 
ropes,  spars,  and  sails,  yielded  to  the  powerful  im- 
pulse, and  the  fabric,  which,  in  addition  to  its 
crowd  of  human  beings,  sustained  so  heavy  a 
load  of  artillery,  with  all  its  burden  of  stores  and 
ammunition,  began  to  divide  the  waves  with  the 
steady  and  imposing  force  of  a  vast  momentum. 
The  seas  curled  and  broke  against  her  sides,  like 


OP  SPEED.  99 

water  washing  the  rocks,  the  steady  ship  feeling, 
as  yet,  no  impression  from  their  feeble  efforts. 
As  the  wind  increased,  however,  and  the  vessel 
went  farther  from  the  land,  the  surface  of  the 
ocean  gradually  grew  more  agitated,  until  the 
highlands,  which  lay  over  the  villa  of  the  Lust  in 
Rust,  finally  sank  into  the  sea ;  when  the  top- 
gallant-royals of  the  ship  were  seen  describing 
wide  segments  of  circles  against  the  heavens,  and 
her  dark  sides  occasionally  rose,  from  a  long  and 
deep  roll,  glittering  with  the  element  that  sus- 
tained her. 

When  Ludlow  first  descried  the  object  which 
he  believed  to  be  the  chase,  it  seemed  a  motion- 
less speck  on  the  margin  of  the  sea.  It  had  now 
grown  into  the  magnitude  and  symmetry  of  the 
well-known  brigantine.  Her  slight  and  attenu- 
ated spars  were  plainly  to  be  seen,  rolling  easily 
but  wide,  with  the  constant  movement  of  the  hull, 
and  with  no  sail  spread,  but  that  which  was  ne- 
cessary to  keep  the  vessel  in  command  on  the  bil- 
lows. When  the  Coquette  was  just  within  the 
range  of  a  cannon,  the  canvas  began  to  unfold ; 
and  it  was  soon  apparent  that  the  Skimmer  of 
the  Seas  was  preparing  for  flight. 

The  first  manoeuvre  of  the  Water-Witch  was 
an  attempt  to  gain  the  wind  of  her  pursuer.  A 
short  experiment  appeared  to  satisfy  those  who 
governed  the  brigantine  that  the  effort  was 
vain,  while  the  wind  was  so  fresh,  and  the  water 
so  rough.  She  wore,  and  crowded  sail  on  the  op- 
posite tack,  in  order  to  try  her  speed  with  the 
cruiser  ;  nor  was  it  until  the  result  sufficiently 
showed  the  danger  of  permitting  the  other  to  get 
any  nigher  that  she  finally  put  her  helm  aweather 
and  ran  off,  like  a  sea-fowl  resting  on  its  wing, 
with  the  wind  over  her  taffrail. 

The  two  vessels  now  presented  the  spectacle 
of  a  stern-chase.  The  brigantine  also  opened  the 
folds  of  all  her  sails,  and  there  arose  a  pyramid 
of  canvas  over  the  nearly  imperceptible  hull,  that 
resembled  a  fantastic  cloud  driving  above  the 
sea,  with  a  velocity  that  seemed  to  rival  the  pas- 
sage of  the  vapor  that  floated  in  the  upper  air. 
As  equal  skill  directed  the  movements  of  the  two 
vessels,  and  the  same  breeze  pressed  upon  their 
sails,  it  was  long  before  there  was  any  perceptible 
difference  in  their  progress.  Hour  passed  after 
hour,  and  were  it  not  for  the  sheets  of  white  foam 
that  were  dashed  from  the  bows  of  the  Coquette, 
and  the  manner  in  which  she  even  outstripped 
the  caps  of  the  combing  waves,  her  commander 
might  have  fancied  his  vessel  ever  in  the  same 
spot.  While  the  ocean  presented,  on  every  side, 
the  same  monotonous  and  rolling  picture,  there 
lay  the  chase,  seemingly  neither  a  foot  nearer  nor 


100 


THE  WATER- WITCH. 


a  foot  farther  than  when  the  trial  of  speed  began. 
A  dark  line  would  rise  on  the  crest  of  a  wave, 
and  then,  sinking  again,  leave  nothing  visible,  but 
the  yielding  and  waving  cloud  of  canvas  that 
danced  along  the  sea. 

"I  had  hoped  for  better  things  of  the  ship, 
Master  Trysail !  "  said  Ludlow,  who  had  long 
been  seated  on  a  knight-head,  attentively  watch- 
ing the  progress  of  the  chase.  "  We  are  buried 
to  the  bob-stays  ;  yet,  there  yon  fellow  lies,  noth- 
ing plainer  than  when  he  first  showed  his  stud- 
ding-sails ! " 

"  And  there  he  will  he,  Captain  Ludlow,  while 
the  light  lasts.  I  have  chased  the  rover  in  the 
narrow  seas,  till  the  cliffs  of  England  melted  away 
like  the  cap  of  a  wave ;  and  we  had  raised  the 
sand-banks  of  Holland  high  as  the  sprit-sail-yard, 
yet  what  good  came  of  it  ?  The  rogue  played 
with  us,  as  your  sportsman  trifles  with  the  entan- 
gled trout ;  and  when  we  thought  we  had  him,  he 
would  shoot  without  the  range  of  our  guns,  with 
as  little  exertion  as  a  ship  slides  into  the  water, 
after  the  spur  shoars  are  knocked  from  under  her 
bows." 

"Ay,  but  the  Druid  had  a  little  of  the  rust  of 
antiquity  about  her.  The  Coquette  has  never 
got  a  chase  under  her  lee,  that  she  did  not 
speak." 

"  I  disparage  no  ship,  sir,  for  character  is 
character,  and  none  should  speak  lightly  of  their 
fellow-creatures,  and,  least  of  all,  of  any  thing 
which  follows  the  sea.  I  allow  the  Coquette  to 
be  a  lively  boat  on  a  wind,  and  a  real  scudder 
going  large;  but  one  should  know  the  wright 
that  fashioned  yonder  brigantine,  before  he  ven- 
tures to  say  that  any  vessel  in  her  majesty's  fleet 
can  hold  way  with  her,  when  she  is  driven 
hard." 

"  These  opinions,  Trysail,  are  fitter  for  the  tales 
of  a  top  than  for  the  mouth  of  one  who  walks 
the  quarter-deck." 

"  I  should  have  lived  to  little  purpose,  Cap- 
tain Ludlow,  not  to  know  that  what  was  philoso- 
phy in  my  young  days  is  not  philosophy  now. 
They  say  the  world  is  round,  which  is  my  own 
opinion — first,  because  the  glorious  Sir  Francis 
Drake,  and  divers  other  Englishmen,  have  gone 
in,  as  it  were,  at  one  end,  and  out  at  the  other ; 
no  less  than  several  seamen  of  other  nations,  to 
say  nothing  of  one  Magellan,  who  pretends  to 
have  been  the  first  man  to  make  the  passage, 
which  I  take  to  be  neither  more  nor  less  than  a 
Portuguee  lie,  it  being  altogether  unreasonable  to 
suppose  that  a  Portuguee  should  do  what  an  Eng- 
lishman had  not  yet  thought  of  doing ;  secondly, 
if  the  world  were  not  round,  or  some  such  shape, 


1  why  should  we  see  the  small  sails  of  a  ship  before 
her  courses,  or  why  should  her  truck  heave  up 
into  the  horizon  before  the  hull  ?    Thev  sav, 

i  moreover,  that  the  world  turns  round,  which  is  r.o 
doubt  true ;  and  it  is  just  as  true  that  its  opin- 
ions turn  round  with  it,  which  brings  me  to  the 
object  of  my  remark — yon  fellow  shows  more  of 
his  broadside,  sir,  than  common !  He  is  edging 
in  for  the  land,  which  must  lie  here  away,  on  our 
larboard  beam,  in  order  to  get  into  smoother  wa- 
ter. This  tumbling  about  is  not  favorable  to 
your  light  craft,  let  who  will  build  them." 

"  I  had  hoped  to  drive  him  off  the  coast. 

'  Could  we  get  him  fairly  into  the  Gulf  Stream,  he 
would  be  ours,  for  he  is  too  low  in  the  water  to 

I  escape  us  in  the  short  seas.  We  must  force  him 
into  blue  water,  though  our  upper  spars  crack  in 
the  struggle ! — Go  aft,  Mr.  Hopper,  and  tell  the 
officer  of  the  watch  to  bring  the  ship's  head  up, 
a  point  and  a  half,  to  the  northward,  and  to  give 
a  slight  pull  on  the  braces." 

"  What  a  mainsail  the  rogue  carries  !  it  is  as 
broad  as  the  instructions  of  a  roving  commission 
with  a  hoist  like  the  promotion  of  an  admiral's 
son  !  How  every  thing  pulls  aboard  him !  A 
thorough-bred  sails  that  brigantine,  let  him  eome 
whence  he  may  ! " 

"  I  think  we  near  him !  The  rough  water  is 
helping  us,  and  we  are  closing.  Steer  small,  fel- 
low ;  steer  small !  You  see  the  color  of  his  mould- 

I  ings  begins  to  show,  when  he  lifts  on  the  seas." 
';  The  sun  touches  his  side — yet,  Captain  Lud- 

j  low,  tou  may  be  right — for  here  is  a  man  in  his 
foretop,  plainly  enough  to  be  seen.  A  shot  or 
two,  among  his  spars  and  sails,  might  now  do  ser- 
vice." 

Ludlow  affected  not  tD  hear;  but  the  first- 
lieutenant,  having  come  on  the  forecastle,  seconded 
this  opinion,  by  remarking  that  their  position 
would  indeed  enable  them  to  use  the  chase-gun, 
without  losing  any  distance.  As  Trysail  sus- 
tained his  former  assertion  by  truths  that  were 
too  obvious  to  be  refuted,  the  commander  of  the 
cruiser  reluctantly  issued  an  order  to  clear  away 
the  forward  gun,  and  to  shift  it  into  the  bridle- 
port.  The  interested  and  attentive  seamen  were 
j  not  long  in  performing  this  service ;  and  a  report 
was  quickly  made  to  the  captain,  that  the  piece 
was  ready. 

Ludlow  then  descended  from  his  post  on  the 
knight-head,  and  pointed  the  cannon  himself. 
"  Knock  away  the  quoin  entirely,"  he  said  to 
j  the  captain  of  the  gun,  when  he  had  got  the  range ; 
j  "  now  mind  her  when  she  lifts  forward ;  keep  the 
ship  steady,  sir — fire ! " 

Those  gentlemen  "  who  live  at  home  at  ease," 


A  LUCKY  SHOT. 


101 


are  often  surprised  to  read  of  combats,  in  which 
so  much  powder,  and  hundreds  and  even  thou- 
sands of  shot,  are  expended,  with  so  little  loss 
of  human  life  ;  while  a  struggle  on  the  land  of 
less  duration,  and  seemingly  of  less  obstinacy, 
shall  sweep  away  a  multitude.  The  secret  of 
the  difference  lies  in  the  uncertainty  of  aim,  on 
an  element  as  restless  as  the  sea.  The  largest 
ship  is  rarely  quite  motionless,  when  on  the  open 
ocean ;  and  it  is  not  necessary  to  tell  the  reader, 
that  the  smallest  variation  in  the  direction  of  a 
gun  at  its  muzzle  becomes  magnified  to  many 
yards  at  the  distance  of  a  few  hundred  feet. 
Marine  gunnery  has  no  little  resemblance  to  the 
skill  of  the  fowler;  since  a  calculation  for  a 
change  in  the  position  of  the  object  must  com- 
monly be  made  in  both  cases,  with  the  additional 
embarrassment  on  the  part  of  the  seaman,  of  an 
allowance  for  a  complicated  movement  in  the 
piece  itself. 

How  far  the  gun  of  the  Coquette  was  subject 
to  the  influence  of  these  causes,  or  how  far  the 
desire  of  her  captain  to  protect  those  whom  he 
believed  to  be  on  board  the  brigantine,  had  an 
effect  on  the  direction  taken  by  its  shot,  will  prob- 
ably never  be  known.  It  is  certain,  however, 
that  when  the  stream  of  fire,  followed  by  its  curl- 
ing cloud,  had  gushed  out  upon  the  water,  fifty 
eyes  sought  in  vain  to  trace  the  course  of  the 
iron  messenger  among  the  sails  and  rigging  of 
the  Water- Witch.  The  symmetry  of  her  beau- 
tiful rig  was  undisturbed,  and  the  unconscious 
fabric  still  glided  over  the  waves  with  its  custom- 
ary ease  and  velocity.  Ludlow  had  a  reputa- 
tion among  his  crew,  for  some  skill  in  the  direc- 
tion of  a  gun.  The  failure,  therefore,  in  no  de- 
gree aided  in  changing  the  opinions  of  the  com- 
mon men  concerning  the  character  of  the  chase. 
Many  shook  their  heads,  and  more  than  one  vet- 
eran tar,  as  he  paced  his  narrow  limits  with  both 
hands  thrust  into  the  bosom  of  his  jacket,  was 
heard  to  utter  his  belief  of  the  inefficacy  of  ordi- 
nary shot,  in  bringing-to  that  brigantine.  It  was 
necessary,  however,  to  repeat  the  experiment,  for 
the  sake  of  appearances.  The  gun  was^  several 
times  discharged,  and  always  with  the  same  want 
of  success. 

"  There  is  little  use  in  wasting  our  powder, 
at  this  distance,  and  with  so  heavy  a  sea,"  said 
Ludlow,  quitting  the  cannon,  after  a  fifth  and 
fruitless  essay.  "  I  shall  fire  no  more.  Look  at 
your  sails,  gentlemen,  and  see  that  every  thing 
draws.  We  must  conquer  with  our  heels,  and  let 
the  artillery  rest. — Secure  the  gun." 

"  The  piece  is  ready,  sir,"  observed  its  cap- 
tain, presuming  on  his  known  favor  with  the  com- 


mander, though  he  qualified  the  boldness  by  tak- 
ing off  his  hat,  in  a  sufficiently  respectful  manner 
— "  'Tis  a  pity  to  balk  it !  " 

"  Fire  it  yourself,  then,  and  return  the  piece 
to  its  port,"  carelessly  returned  the  captain,  will- 
ing to  show  that  others  could  be  as  unlucky  as 
himself. 

The  men  quartered  at  the  gun,  left  alone, 
busied  themselves  in  executing  the  order. 

"  Eun  in  the  quoin,  and,  blast  the  brig,  give 
her  a  point-blanker  !  "  said  the  gruff  old  seaman 
who  was  intrusted  with  a  local  authority  over 
that  particular  piece.  "  None  of  your  geometry 
calculations  for  me !  " 

The  crew  obeyed,  and  the  match  was  instant- 
ly applied.  A  rising  sea,  however,  aided  the  ob- 
ject of  the  directly-minded  old  tar,  or  our  narra- 
tion of  the  exploits  of  the  piece  would  end  with 
the  discharge,  since  its  shot  would  otherwise  have 
inevitably  plunged  into  a  wave  within  a  few  yards 
of  its  muzzle.  The  bows  of  the  ship  rose  with 
the  appearance  of  the  smoke,  the  usual  brief  ex- 
pectation followed,  then  fragments  of  wood  were 
seen  flying  above  the  top-mast-studding-sail-boom 
of  the  brigantine,  which,  at  the  same  time,  flew 
forward,  carrying  with  it,  and  entirely  deranging 
the  two  important  sails  that  depended  on  the  spar 
for  support. 

"  So  much  for  plain  sailing  ! "  cried  the  de- 
lighted tar,  slapping  the  breech  of  the  gun  affec- 
tionately. "  Witch  or  no  witch,  there  go  two  of 
her  jackets  at  once ;  and  by  the  captain's  good- 
will, we  shall  shortly  take  off  some  more  of  her 
clothes  !   In  sponge — " 

"  The  order  is  to  run  the  gun  aft,  and  secure 
it,"  said  a  merry  midshipman,  leaping  on  the  heel 
of  the  bowsprit  to  gaze  at  the  confusion  on  board 
the  chase.  "  The  rogue  is  nimble  enough  in  sav- 
ing his  canvas  ! " 

There  was,  in  truth,  necessity  for  exertion, 
on  the  part  of  those  who  governed  the  movements 
of  the  brigantine.  The  two  sails  that  were  ren- 
dered temporarily  useless,  were  of  great  impor- 
tance, with  the  wind  over  the  taffrail.  The  dis- 
tance between  the  two  vessels  did  not  exceed  a 
mile,  and  the  danger  of  lessening  it  was  too  ob- 
vious to  admit  of  delay.  The  ordinary  move- 
ments of  seamen,  in  critical  moments,  are  dictated 
by  a  quality  that  resembles  instinct  more  than 
thought.  The  constant  hazards  of  a  dangerous 
and  delicate  profession,  in  which  delay  may  prove 
fatal,  and  in  which  life,  character,  and  property, 
are  so  often  dependent  on  the  self-possession  and 
resources  of  him  who  commands,  beget,  in  time, 
so  keen  a  knowledge  of  the  necessary  expedients, 
as  to  cause  it  to  approach  a  natural  quality. 


102 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


The  studding-sails  of  the  Water-Witch  were 
no  sooner  fluttering  in  the  air,  than  the  brigan- 
tine  slightly  changed  her  course,  like  some  bird 
whose  wing  has  been  touched  by  the  fowler ;  and 
her  head  was  seen  inclining  as  much  to  the  south 
as  a  moment  before  it  had  pointed  northward. 
The  variation,  trifling  as  it  was,  brought  the  wind 
on  the  opposite  quarter,  and  caused  the  boom  that 
distended  her  mainsail  to  gybe.  At  the  same  in- 
stant, the  studding  sails,  which  had  been  flapping 
under  the  lee  of  this  vast  sheet  of  canvas,  swelled 
to  their  utmost  tension ;  and  the  vessel  lost  little, 
if  any,  of  the  power  which  urged  her  through  the 
water.  Even  while  this  evolution  was  so  rapidly 
performed,  men  were  seen  aloft,  nimbly  employed, 
as  it  has  been  already  expressed  by  the  observant 
little  midshipman,  in  securing  the  crippled  sails. 

"  A  rogue  has  a  quick  wit,"  said  Trysail, 
whose  critical  eye  suffered  no  movement  of  the 
chase  to  escape  him  ;  u  and  he  has  need  of  it, 
sail  from  what  haven  he  may !  Yon  brigantine 
is  prettily  handled !  Little  have  we  gained  by 
our  fire,  but  the  gunner's  account  of  ammunition 
expended  ;  and  little  has  the  free-trader  lost,  but 
a  studding-sail-boom,  which  will  work  up  very 
well  yet  into  top-gallant-yards,  and  other  light 
spars,  for  such  a  cockle-shell." 

"  It  is  something  gained  to  force  him  off  the 
land  into  rougher  water,"  Ludlow  mildly  an- 
swered. "  I  think  we  see  his  quarter-pieces  more 
plainly  than  before  the  gun  was  used." 

"  No  doubt,  sir,  no  doubt.  I  got  a  glimpse 
of  his  lower  dead-eyes  a  minute  ago ;  but  I  have 
been  near  enough  to  see  the  saucy  look  of  the 
hussy  under  his  bowsprit;  yet  there  goes  the 
brigantine,  at  large  !  " 

"  I  am  certain  that  we  are  closing,"  thought- 
fully returned  Ludlow. — "  Hand  me  the  glass, 
quarter-master." 

Trysail  watched  the  countenance  of  his  young 
commander,  as  he  examined  the  chase  with  the  aid 
of  the  instrument ;  and  bethought  he  read  strong 
discontent  in  his  features,  when  the  other  laid  it 
aside. 

"  Does  he  show  no  signs  of  coming  back  to  his 
allegiance,  sir  ? — or  does  the  rogue  hold  out  in 
obstinacy  ?  " 

"  The  figure  on  his  poop  is  the  bold  man  who 
ventured  on  board  the  Coquette,  and  who  now 
seems  quite  as  much  at  his  ease  as  when  he  ex- 
hibited his  effrontery  here  ! " 

"There  is  a  look  of  deep  water  about  that 
rogue ;  and  I  thought  that  her  majesty  had  gained 
a  prize  when  he  first  put  foot  on  our  decks.  You 
are  right  enough,  sir,  in  calling  him  a  bold  one ! 
The  fellow's  impudence  would  unsettle  the  dis- 


cipline of  a  whole  ship's  company,  though  every 
other  man  were  an  officer,  and  all  the  rest  priests. 
He  took  up  as  much  room  in  walking  the  quarter- 
deck, as  a  ninety  in  wearing ;  and  the  truck  is  not 
driven  on  the  head  of  that  top-gallant-mast  half  as 
hard  as  the  hat  is  riveted  to  his  head.  The  fel- 
low has  no  reverence  for  a  pennant !  I  managed, 
in  shifting  pennants  at  sunset,  to  make  the  fly  of 
the  one  that  came  down  flap  in  his  impudent 
countenance,  by  way  of  hint ;  and  he  took  it  as 
a  Dutchman  minds  a  signal — that  is,  as  a  question 
to  be  answered  in  the  next  watch.  A  little  polish 
got  on  the  quarter-deck  of  a  man-of-war  would 
make  a  philosopher  of  the  rogue,  and  fit  him  for 
any  company,  short  of  heaven  !  " 

"There  goes  a  new  boom  aloft!  "  cried  Lud- 
low, interrupting  the  discursive  discourse  of  the 
master.  "He  is  bent  on  getting  in  with  the 
shore." 

"  If  these  puffs  come  much  heavier,"  returned 
the  master,  whose  opinions  of  the  chase  vacillated 
with  his  professional  feelings,  "  we  shall  have  him 
at  our  own  play,  and  try  the  qualities  of  his  brig- 
antine. The  sea  has  a  green  spot  to  windward, 
and  there  are  strong  symptoms  of  a  squall  on  the 
water.  One  can  almost  see  into  the  upper  world, 
with  an  air  as  clear  as  this.  Your  northers  sweep 
the  mists  off  America,  and  leave  both  sea  and 
land  bright  as  a  school-boy's  face,  before  the 
tears  have  dimmed  it,  after  the  first  flogging. 
You  have  sailed  in  the  southern  seas,  Captain 
Ludlow,  I  know  ;  for  we  were  shipmates  among 
the  islands,  years  that  are  past ;  but  I  never  heard 
whether  you  have  run  the  Gibraltar  passage,  and 
seen  the  blue  water  that  lies  among  the  Italy  moun- 
tains? " 

"  I  made  a  cruise  against  the  Barbary  states, 
when  a  lad  ;  and  we  had  business  that  took  us  to 
the  northern  shore." 

"Ay!  'Tis  your  northern  shore  I  mean!  There 
is  not  a  foot  of  it  all,  from  the  rock  at  the  en- 
trance to  the  Faro  of  Messina,  that  eye  of  mine 
hath  not  seen.  No  want  of  lookouts  and  land- 
marks in  that  quarter  !  Here  we  are  close  aboard 
of  America,  which  lies  some  eight  or  ten  leagues 
there-away  to  the  northward  of  us,  and  some  forty 
astern ;  and  yet,  if  it  were  not  for  our  departure, 
with  the  color  of  the  water,  and  a  knowledge  of 
the  soundings,  one  might  believe  himself  in  the 
middle  of  the  Atlantic.  Many  a  good  ship  plumps 
upon  America  before  she  knows  where  she  is  go- 
ing ;  while  in  you  sea,  you  may  run  for  a  moun- 
tain, with  its  side  in  full  view,  four-and-twenty 
hours  on  a  stretch,  before  you  see  the  town  at  its 
foot." 

"  Nature  has  compensated  for  the  difference, 


TRYSAIL'S  STORY. 


103 


in  defending  the  approach  to  this  coast  by  the 
Gulf  Stream,  with  its  floating  weeds  and  different 
temperature ;  while  the  lead  may  feel  its  way  in 
the  darkest  night,  for  no  roof  of  a  house  is  more 
gradual  than  the  ascent  of  this  shore,  from  a  hun- 
dred fathoms  to  a  sandy  beach." 

"  I  said  many  a  good  ship,  Captain  Ludlow, 
and  not  good  navigator. — No — no — your  thorough- 
bred knows  the  difference  between  green  water 
and  the  blue,  as  well  as  between  a  hand-lead  and 
the  deep  sea.  But  I  remember  to  have  missed 
an  observation,  once,  when  running  for  Genoa, 
before  a  mistrail.  There  was  a  likelihood  of 
making  our  land-fall  in  the  night,  and  the  greater 
the  need  of  knowing  the  ship's  position.  I  have 
often  thought,  sir,  that  the  ocean  was  like  human 
life — a  blind  track  for  all  that  is  ahead,  and  none 
of  the  clearest  as  respects  that  which  has  been 
passed  over.  Many  a  man  runs  headlong  to  his 
own  destruction,  and  many  a  ship  steers  for  a 
reef  under  a  press  of  canvas.  To-morrow  is  a 
fog,  into  which  none  of  us  can  see  ;  and  even  the 
present  time  is  little  better  than  thick  weather, 
into  which  we  look  without  getting  much  infor- 
mation. Well,  as  I  was  observing,  here  lay  our 
course,  with  the  wind  as  near  aft  as  need  be,  blow- 
ing much  as  at  present ;  for  your  French  mistrail 
has  a  family  likeness  to  the  American  norther. 
We  had  the  maintop-gallant-sail  set,  without  stud- 
ding-sails, for  we  began  to  think  of  the  deep  bight 
in  which  Genoa  is  stowed,  and  the  sun  had  dipped 
more  than  an  hour.  As  our  good  fortune  would 
have  it,  clouds  and  mistrails  do  not  agree  long, 
and  we  got  a  clear  horizon.  Here  lay  a  moun- 
tain of  snow,  northerly,  a  little  west,  and  there  lay 
another,  southerly  with  easting.  The  best  ship 
in  Queen  Anne's  navy  could  not  have  fetched 
either  in  a  day's  run,  yet  there  we  saw  them,  as 
plainly  as  if  anchored  under  their  lee !  A  look 
at  the  chart  soon  gave  us  an  insight  into  our  situ- 
ation. The  first  were  the  Alps,  as  they  call  them, 
being  as  I  suppose  the  French  for  apes,  of  which 
there  are  no  doubt  plenty  in  those  regions  ;  and 
the  other  were  the  highlands  of  Corsica,  both  be- 
ing as  white,  in  midsummer,  as  the  hair  of  a  man 
of  fourscore.  You  see,  sir,  we  had  only  to  set  the 
two,  by  compass,  to  know,  within  a  league  or  two, 
where  we  were.  So  we  ran  till  midnight,  and 
hove-to ;  in  the  morning  we  took  the  light  to  feel 
for  our  haven — " 

u  The  brigantine  is  gybing  again !  "  cried  Lud- 
low.   "  He  is  determined  to  shoal  his  water ! " 

The  master  glanced  an  eye  around  the  hori- 
zon, and  then  pointed  steadily  toward  the  north. 
Ludlow  observed  the  gesture,  and,  turning  his 
head,  he  was  at  no  loss  to  read  its  meaning. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

"  I  am  gone,  sir, 
And  anon,  sir, 
I'll  bo  with  you  again." 

Clown  in  Twelfth  Night. 

Although  it  is  contrary  to  the  apparent  evi- 
dence of  our  senses,  there  is  no  truth  more  certain 
than  that  the  course  of  most  gales  of  wind  comes 
from  the  leeward.  The  effects  of  a  tempest  shall 
be  felt  for  hours,  at  a  point  that  is  seemingly  near 
its  termination,  before  they  are  witnessed  at  an- 
other that  appears  to  be  nearer  its  source.  Ex- 
perience has  also  shown  that  a  storm  is  more  de- 
structive at  or  near  its  place  of  actual  commence- 
ment, than  at  that  whence  it  may  seem  to  come. 
The  easterly  gales  that  so  often  visit  the  coast  of 
the  republic,  commit  their  ravages  in  the  bays 
of  Pennsylvania  and  Virginia,  or  along  the  sounds 
of  the  Carolinas,  hours  before  their  existence  is 
known  in  the  States  farther  east ;  and  the  same 
wind  which  is  a  tempest  at  Hatteras,  becomes 
softened  to  a  breeze  near  the  Penobscot.  There 
is,  however,  little  mystery  in  this  apparent  phe- 
nomenon. The  vacuum  which  has  been  created  in 
the  air,  and  which  is  the  origin  of  all  winds,  must 
be  filled  first  from  the  nearest  stores  of  the  atmos- 
phere ;  and,  as  each  region  contributes  to  produce 
the  equilibrium,  it  must,  in  return,  receive  other 
supplies  from  those  which  lie  beyond.  Were  a 
given  quantity  of  water  to  be  suddenly  abstracted 
from  the  sea,  the  empty  space  would  be  replen- 
ished by  a  torrent  from  the  nearest  surrounding 
fluid,  whose  level  would  be  restored  in  succession, 
by  supplies  that  were  less  and  less  violently  con- 
tributed. Were  the  abstraction  made  on  a  shoal, 
or  near  the  land,  the  flow  would  be  the  greatest 
from  that  quarter  where  the  fluid  had  the  greatest 
force,  and  with  it  would  consequently  come  the 
current. 

But  while  there  is  so  close  an  affinity  between 
the  two  fluids,  the  workings  of  the  viewless  winds 
are,  in  their  nature,  much  less  subject  to  the  pow- 
ers of  human  comprehension  than  those  of  the 
sister  element.  The  latter  are  frequently  subject 
to  the  direct  and  manifest  influence  of  the  former, 
while  the  effects  produced  by  the  ocean  on  the 
air  are  hid  from  our  knowledge  by  the  subtle 
character  of  the  agency.  Yague  and  erratic  cur- 
rents, it  is  true,  are  met  in  the  waters  of  the 
ocean ;  but  their  origin  is  easily  referred  to  the 
action  of  the  winds,  while  we  often  remain  in  un- 
certainty as  to  the  immediate  causes  which  give 
birth  to  the  breezes  themselves.  Thus  the  mar- 
iner, even  while  the  victim  of  the  irresistible 
waves,  studies  the  heavens  as  the  known  source 


104 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


from  whence  the  danger  comes ;  and  while  he 
struggles  fearfully,  amid  the  strife  of  the  elements, 
to  preserve  the  balance  of  the  delicate  and  fear- 
ful machine  he  governs,  he  well  knows  that  the 
one  which  presents  the  most  visible,  and  to  a 
landsman  much  the  most  formidable  object  of  ap- 
prehension, is  but  the  instrument  of  the  unseen  and 
powerful  agent  that  heaps  the  water  on  his  path. 

It  is  in  consequence  of  this  difference  in  power, 
and  of  the  mystery  that  envelops  the  workings  of 
the  atmosphere,  that,  in  all  ages,  seamen  have 
been  the  subjects  of  superstition  in  respect  to  the 
winds.  There  is  always  more  or  less  of  the  de- 
pendency of  ignorance,  in  the  manner  with  which 
they  have  regarded  the  changes  of  that  fickle  ele- 
ment. Even  the  mariners  of  our  own  times  are 
not  exempt  from  this  weakness.  The  thoughtless 
ship-boy  is  reproved  if  his  whistle  be  heard  in  the 
howling  of  the  gale  ;  and  the  officer  sometimes  be- 
trays a  feeling  of  uneasiness  if  at  such  a  moment 
he  should  witness  any  violation  of  the  received 
opinions  of  his  profession.  He  finds  himself  in 
the  situation  of  one  whose  ears  have  drunk  in 
legends  of  supernatural  appearances,  which  abet- 
ter instruction  has  taught  him  to  condemn ;  and 
wrho,  when  placed  in  situations  to  awaken  their 
recollection,  finds  the  necessity  of  drawing  upon 
his  reason,  to  quiet  emotions  that  he  might  hesi- 
tate to  acknowledge. 

When  Trysail  directed  the  attention  of  his 
young  commander  to  the  heavens,  however,  it 
was  more  with  the  intelligence  of  an  experienced 
mariner  than  with  any  of  the  sensations  to  which 
allusion  has  just  been  made.  A  cloud  had  sud- 
denly appeared  on  the  water,  and  long  ragged 
portions  of  the  vapor  were  pointing  from  it,  in  a 
manner  to  give  it  what  seamen  term  a  windy  ap- 
pearance. 

"  We  shall  have  more  than  we  want  with  this 
canvas  !  "  said  the  master,  after  both  he  and  his 
commander  had  studied  the  appearance  of  the 
mist  for  a  sufficient  time.  "  That  fellow  is  a  mor- 
tal enemy  of  lofty  sails ;  he  likes  to  see  nothing 
but  naked  sticks  up  in  his  neighborhood  !  " 

"  I  should  think  his  appearance  will  force  the 
brigantine  to  shorten  sail,"  returned  the  captain. 
"  We  will  hold  on  to  the  last,  while  he  must  begin 
to  take  in  soon,  or  the  squall  will  come  upon  him 
too  fast  for  a  light-handed  vessel." 

"'Tis  a  cruiser's  advantage!  yet  the  rogue 
shows  no  signs  of  lowering  a  single  cloth  ! " 

"  We  will  look  to  our  own  spars,"  said  Lud- 
low, turning  to  the  lieutenant  of  the  watch.  "  Call 
the  people  up,  sir,  and  see  all  ready  for  yonder 
cloud." 

The  order  was  succeeded  by  the  customary 


hoarse  summons  of  the  boatswain,  who  prefaced 
the  effort  of  his  lungs  by  a  long,  shrill  winding  of 
his  call,  above  the  hatchways  of  the  ship.  The 
cry  of  "  All  hands  shorten  sail,  ahoy ! "  soon 
brought  the  crew  from  the  depths  of  the  vessel 
to  her  upper  deck.  Each  trained  seaman  silently 
took  his  station ;  and  after  the  ropes  were  cleared, 
and  the  few  necessary  preparations  made,  all  stood 
in  attentive  silence,  awaiting  the  sounds  that 
might  next  proceed  from  the  trumpet,  which  the 
first-lieutenant  had  now  assumed  in  person. 

The  superiority  of  sailing,  which  a  ship  fitted 
for  war  possesses  over  one  employed  in  commerce, 
proceeds  from  a  variety  of  causes.  The  first  is 
in  the  construction  of  the  hull,  which  in  the  one 
is  as  justly  fitted  as  the  art  of  naval  architecture 
will  allow,  to  the  double  purposes  of  speed  and 
buoyancy  ;  while,  in  the  other,  the  desire  of  gain 
induces  great  sacrifices  of  these  important  ob- 
jects, in  order  that  the  vessel  may  be  burdensome- 
Next  comes  the  difference  in  the  rig,  which  is  not 
only  more  square,  but  more  lofty,  in  a  ship-of-war 
than  in  a  trader,  because  the  greater  force  of  the 
crew  of  the  former  enables  them  to  manage  both 
spars  and  sails  that  are  far  heavier  than  any  ever 
used  in  the  latter.  Then  comes  the  greater  abili- 
ty of  the  cruiser  to  make  and  shorten  sail,  since 
a  ship  manned  by  one  or  two  hundred  men  may 
safely  profit  by  the  breeze  to  the  last  moment, 
while  one  manned  by  a  dozen  often  loses  hours 
of  a  favorable  wind,  from  the  weakness  of  her 
crew.  This  explanation  will  enable  the  otherwise 
uninitiated  reader  to  understand  the  reasons  why 
Ludlow  had  hoped  the  coming  squall  would  aid 
his  designs  on  the  chase. 

To  express  ourselves  in  nautical  language, 
"the  Coquette  held  on  to  the  last."  Ragged 
streaks  of  vapor  were  whirling  about  in  the  air, 
within  a  fearful  proximity  to  the  lofty  and  light 
sails,  and  the  foam  on  the  water  had  got  so  near 
the  ship  as  already  to  efface  her  wake;  when 
Ludlow,  who  had  watched  the  progress  of  the 
cloud  with  singular  coolness,  made  a  sign  to  his 
subordinate  that  the  proper  instant  had  arrived. 

"  In,  of  all !  "  shouted  through  the  trumpet, 
was  the  only  command  necessary;  for  officers 
and  crew  were  well  instructed  in  their  duty. 

The  words  had  no  sooner  quitted  the  lips  of 
the  lieutenant,  than  the  steady  roar  of  the  sea  was 
drowned  in  the  flapping  of  canvas.  Tacks, 
sheets,  and  halyards,  went  together ;  and,  in  less 
than  a  minute,  the  cruiser  showed  naked  spars 
and  whistling  ropes,  where  so  lately  had  been 
seen  a  cloud  of  snow-white  cloth.  All  her  steer- 
ing-sails came  in  together,  and  the  lofty  canvas 
was  furled  to  her  topsails.    The  latter  still  stood 


THE  TWO  VESSELS  IN  A  SQUALL. 


105 


and  the  vessel  received  the  weight  of  the  little 
tempest  on  their  broad  surfaces.  The  gallant 
ship  stood  the  shock  nobly ;  but,  as  the  wind 
came  over  the  taff'rail,  its  force  had  far  less  influ- 
ence on  the  hull  than  on  the  other  occasion  al- 
ready described.  The  danger,  now,  was  only  for 
her  spars ;  and  these  were  saved  by  the  watchful 
though  bold  vigilance  of  her  captain. 

Ludlow  was  no  sooner  certain  that  the  cruiser 
felt  the  force  of  the  wind,  and  to  gain  this  assur- 
ance needed  but  a  few  moments,  than  he  turned 
his  eager  look  on  the  brigantine.  To  the  surprise 
of  all  who  witnessed  her  temerity,  the  Water- 
Witch  still  showed  all  her  light  sails.  Swiftly  as 
the  ship  was  now  driven  through  the  water,  its 
velocity  was  greatly  outstripped  by  that  of  the 
wind.  The  signs  of  the  passing  squall  were  al- 
ready visible  on  the  sea,  for  half  the  distance  be- 
tween the  two  vessels  ;  and  still  the  chase  showed 
no  consciousness  of  its  approach.  Her  commander 
had  evidently  studied  its  effects  on  the  Coquette ; 
and  he  awaited  the  shock  with  the  coolness  of 
one  accustomed  to  depend  on  his  own  resources, 
and  able  to  estimate  the  force  with  which  he  had 
to  contend. 

"  If  he  hold  on  a  minute  longer,  he  will  get 
more  than  he  can  bear,  and  away  will  go  all  his 
kites,  like  smoke  from  the  muzzle  of  a  gun ! " 
muttered  Trysail.  "  Ah  !  there  come  down  his 
studding-sails — ah  !  settle  away  the  mainsail — in 
royal,  and  topgallant  sail,  with  topsail  on  the  cap ! 
— The  rascals  are  as  nimble  as  pickpockets  in  a 
crowd." 

The  honest  master  has  sufficiently  described 
the  precautions  taken  onboard  of  the  brigantine. 
Nothing  was  furled;  but  as  every  thing  was 
hauled  up,  or  lowered,  the  squall  had  little  to 
waste  its  fury  on.  The  diminished  surfaces  of  the 
sails  protected  the  spars,  while  the  canvas  was 
saved  by  the  aid  of  cordage.  After  a  few  mo- 
ments of  pause,  half  a  dozen  men  were  seen  busied 
in  more  effectually  securing  the  few  upper  and 
lighter  sails. 

But  though  the  boldness  with  which  the  Skim- 
mer of  the  Seas  carried  sail  to  the  last,  was  justi- 
fied by  the  result,  still  the  effects  of  the  increased 
wind  and  rising  waves  on  the  progress  of  the  two 
vessels  grew  more  sensible.  While  the  little  and 
low  brigantine  began  to  labor  and  roll,  the  Co- 
quette rode  the  element  with  buoyancy,  and  con- 
sequently with  less  resistance  from  the  water. 
Twenty  minutes,  during  which  the  force  of  the 
wind  was  but  little  lessened,  brought  the  cruiser 
so  near  the  chase  as  to  enable  her  crew  to  dis- 
tinguish most  of  the  smaller  objects  that  were 
visible  above  her  ridge-ropes. 


"  Blow,  winds,  and  crack  your  checks  ! "  said 
Ludlow,  in  an  under-tone,  the  excitement  of  the 
chase  growing  with  the  hopes  of  success.  "I 
ask  but  one  half-hour,  then  shift  at  your  pleas- 
ure ! " 

"  Blow,  good  devil,  and  you  shall  have  the 
cook  ! "  muttered  Trysail,  quoting  a  very  differ- 
ent author.  "  Another  glass  will  bring  us  within 
hail." 

"  The  squall  is  leaving  us  !  "  interrupted  the 
captain.  "  Pack  on  the  ship  again,  Mr.  Luff,  from 
her  trucks  to  her  ridge-ropes  !  " 

The  whistle  of  the  boatswain  was  again  heard 
at  the  hatchways,  and  the  hoarse  summons  of 
"  All  hands  make  sail,  ahoy  ! "  once  more  called 
the  people  to  their  stations.  The  sails  were  set 
with  a  rapidity  which  nearly  equalled  the  speed 
with  which  they  had  been  taken  in ;  and  the  vio- 
lence of  the  breeze  was  scarcely  off  the  ship,  be- 
fore its  complicated  volumes  of  canvas  were  spread 
to  catch  what  remained.  On  the  other  hand,  the 
chase,  even  more  hardy  than  the  cruiser,  did  not 
wait  for  the  end  of  the  squall ;  but,  profiting  by 
the  notice  given  by  the  latter,  the  "  Skimmer  of 
the  Seas"  began  to  sway  his  yards  aloft  while  the 
sea  was  still  white  with  foam. 

"  The  quick-sighted  rogue  knows  we  are  done 
with  it,"  said  Trysail ;  "  and  he  is  getting  ready 
for  his  own  turn.  We  gain  but  little  of  him,  not- 
withstanding our  muster  of  hands." 

The  fact  was  too  true  to  be  denied,  for  the 
brigantine  was  again  under  all  her  canvas,  before 
the  ship  had  sensibly  profited  by  her  superior  phys- 
ical force.  It  was  at  this  moment,  when,  perhaps 
in  consequence  of  the  swell  on  the  water,  the  Co- 
quette might  have  possessed  some  small  advan- 
tage, that  the  wind  suddenly  failed.  The  squall 
had  been  its  expiring  effort ;  and,  within  an  hour 
after  the  two  vessels  had  again  made  sail,  the 
canvas  was  flapping  against  the  masts,  in  a  man- 
ner to  throw  back,  in  eddies,  a  force  as  great  as 
that  it  received.  The  sea  fell  fast,  and  near  the 
end  of  the  last  or  forenoon  watch,  the  surface  of 
ocean  was  agitated  only  by  those  long,  undulating 
swells  that  seldom  leave  it  entirely  without  mo- 
tion. For  some  little  time,  there  were  fickle  cur- 
rents of  air  playing  in  various  directions  about 
the  ship,  but  always  in  force  sufficient  to  urge  her 
slowly  through  the  water  ;  and  then,  when  the 
equilibrium  of  the  element  seemed  established, 
there  was  a  total  calm.  During  the  half-hour  of 
the  baffling  winds,  the  brigantine  had  been  a  gain- 
er, though  not  enough  to  carry  her  entirely  beyond 
the  reach  of  the  cruiser's  guns. 

"  Haul  up  the  courses  ! "  said  Ludlow,  when 
the  last  breath  of  wind  had  been  felt  on  the 


106 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


ship,  and,  quitting  the  gun  where  he  had  long 
stood,  watching  the  movements  of  the  chase. 
"  Get  the  boats  into  the  water,  Mr.  Luff,  and  arm 
their  crews." 

The  young  commander  issued  this  order, 
which  needed  no  interpreter  to  explain  its  object 
firmly,  but  in  sadness.  His  face  was  thoughtful, 
and  his  whole  air  was  that  of  a  man  who  yielded 
to  an  imperative  but  unpleasant  duty.  When  he 
had  spoken,  he  signed  to  the  attentive  alderman 
and  his  friend  to  follow,  and  entered  his  cabin. 

"  There  is  no  alternative,"  continued  Ludlow, 
as  he  laid  the  glass  which  so  often  that  morning 
had  been  at  his  eye,  on  the  table,  and  threw  him- 
self into  a  chair.  "  This  rover  must  be  seized  at 
every  hazard,  and  here  is  a  favorable  occasion  to 
carry  him  by  boarding.  Twenty  minutes  will 
bring  us  to  his  side,  and  five  more  will  put  us  in 
possession  ;  but — " 

"  You  think  the  '  Skimmer  '  is  not  the  man 
to  receive  such  visitors  with  an  old  woman's  wel- 
come," pithily  observed  Myndert. 

"  I  much  mistake  the  man  if  he  yield  so  beau- 
tiful a  vessel  peacefully.  Duty  is  imperative  on 
a  seaman,  Alderman  Van  Beverout ;  and,  much  as 
I  lament  the  circumstance,  it  must  be  obeyed." 

"I  understand  you,  sir.  Captain  Ludlow  has 
two  mistresses,  Queen  Anne  and  the  daughter  of 
old  Etienne  Barberie.  He  fears  both.  When 
the  debts  exceed  the  means  of  payment,  it  would 
seem  wise  to  offer  to  compound  ;  and  in  this  case 
her  majesty  and  my  niece  may  be  said  to  stand  in 
case  of  creditors." 

"You  mistake  my  meaning,  sir,"  said  Ludlow. 
"  There  can  be  no  composition  between  a  faithful 
officer  and  his  duty,  nor  do  I  acknowledge  more 
than  one  mistress  in  my  ship — but  seamen  are  lit- 
tle to  be  trusted  in  the  moment  of  success,  and  with 
their  passions  awakened  by  resistance.  Alder- 
man Yan  Beverout,  will  you  accompany  the  par- 
ty, and  serve  as  mediator  ?  " 

"  Pikes  and  hand-grenades  !  Am  I  a  fit  sub- 
ject for  mounting  the  sides  of  a  smuggler  with  a 
broadsword  between  my  teeth !  If  you  will  put 
me  into  the  smallest  and  most  peaceable  of  your 
boats,  with  a  crew  of  two  boys,  that  I  can  con- 
trol with  the  authority  of  a  magistrate,  and  cove- 
nant to  remain  here  with  your  three  topsails 
aback,  having  always  a  flag  of  truce  at  each  mast, 
I  will  bear  the  olive-branch  to  the  brigantine,  but 
not  a  word  of  menace.  If  report  speak  true, 
your  '  Skimmer  of  the  Seas  '  is  no  lover  of  threats, 
and  Heaven  forbid  that  I  should  do  violence  to 
any  man's  habits  !  I  will  go  forth  as  your  turtle- 
dove, Captain  Ludlow ;  but  >not  one  foot  will  I 
proceed  as  your  Goliath." 


"  And  you  equally  refuse  endeavoring  to  avert 
hostilities  ?  "  continued  Ludlow,  turning  his  look 
on  the  Patroon  of  Kinderhook. 

"Iara  the  queen's  subject,  and  ready  to  aid 
in  supporting  the  laws,"  quietly  returned  Oloff 
Yan  Staats. 

"Patroon!"  exclaimed  his  watchful  friend, 
"  you  know  not  what  you  say  !  If  there  were 
question  of  an  inroad  of  Mohawks,  or  an  invasion 
from  the  Canadas,  the  case  would  be  altered ;  but 
this  is  only  a  trifling  difference  concerning  a  small 
balance  in  the  revenue  duties,  which  had  better 
be  left  to  your  tide-waiter  and  the  other  wild-cats 
of  the  law.  If  Parliament  will  put  temptation  be- 
fore our  eyes,  let  the  sin  light  on  their  own  heads. 
Human  nature  is  weak,  and  the  vanities  of  our 
system  are  so  many  inducements  to  overlook  un- 
reasonable regulations.  I  say,  therefore,  it  is 
better  to  remain  in  peace  on  board  this  ship, 
where  our  characters  will  be  as  safe  as  our 
bones,  and  trust  to  Providence  for  what  will 
happen." 

"  I  am  the  queen's  subject,  and  ready  to  up- 
hold her  dignity,"  repeated  Oloff,  firmly. 

"  I  will  trust  you,  sir,"  said  Ludlow,  taking 
his  rival  by  the  arm,  and  leading  him  into  his  own 
state-room. 

The  conference  was  soon  ended,  and  a  mid- 
shipman shortly  after  reported  that  the  boats  were 
ready  for  service.  The  master  was  next  sum- 
moned to  the  cabin,  and  admitted  to  the  private 
apartment  of  his  commander.  Ludlow  then  pro- 
ceeded to  the  deck,  where  he  made  the  final  dis- 
positions for  the  attack.  The  ship  was  left  in 
charge  of  Mr.  Luff,  with  an  injunction  to  profit 
by  any  breeze  that  might  offer,  to  draw  as  near 
as  possible  to  the  chase.  Trysail  was  placed  in 
the  launch  at  the  head  of  a  strong  party  of  board- 
ers. Yan  Staats  of  Kinderhook  was  provided 
with  the  yawl,  manned  only  by  its  customary 
crew  ;  while  Ludlow  entered  his  own  barge,  which 
contained  its  usual  complement,  though  the  arms 
that  lay  in  the  stern-sheets  sufficiently  showed 
that  they  were  prepared  for  service. 

The  launch  being  the  soonest  ready,  and  of 
much  the  heaviest  movement,  was  the  first  to  quit 
the  side  of  the  Coquette.  The  master  steered  di- 
rectly for  the  becalmed  and  motionless  brigantine. 
Ludlow  took  a  more  circuitous  course,  apparently 
with  an  intention  of  causing  such  a  diversion  as 
might  distract  the  attention  of  the  crew  of  the 
smuggler,  and  with  the  view  of  reaching  the  point 
of  attack  at  the  same  moment  with  the  boat  that 
contained  his  principal  force.  The  yawl  also  in- 
clined from  the  straight  line,  steering  as  much  on 
one  side  as  the  barge  diverged  on  the  other.  In  this 


PREPARATIONS  FOR  ATTACK. 


107 


manner  the  men  pulled  in  silence  for  some  twenty 
minutes — the  motion  of  the  larger  boat,  which 
was  heavily  charged,  being  slow  and  difficult. 
At  the  end  of  this  period,  a  signal  was  made  from 
the  barge,  when  all  the  men  ceased  rowing,  and 
prepared  themselves  for  the  struggle.  The  launch 
was  within  pistol-shot  of  the  brigantine,  and  di- 
rectly on  her  beam ;  the  yawl  had  gained  her 
head,  where  Van  Staats  of  Kinderhook  was  study- 
ing the  malign  expression  of  the  image,  with  an 
interest  that  seemed  to  increase  as  his  sluggish 
nature  became  excited ;  and  Ludlow,  on  the  quar- 
ter opposite  to  the' launch,  was  examining  the  con- 
dition of  the  chase  by  the  aid  of  a  glass.  Try- 
sail profited  by  the  pause  to  address  his  fol- 
lowers : 

"  This  is  an  expedition  in  boats,"  commenced 
the  accurate  and  circumstantial  master,  "  made  in 
smooth  water,  with  little,  or  one  may  say  no  wind, 
in  the  month  of  June,  and  on  the  coast  of  North 
America.  You  are  not  such  a  set  of  know-noth- 
ings, men,  as  to  suppose  the  launch  has  been 
hoisted  out,  and  two  of  the  oldest,  not  to  say  best 
seamen,  on  the  quarter-deck  of  her  majesty's 
ship,  have  gone  in  boats,  without  the  intention 
of  doing  something  more  than  to  ask  the  names 
and  character  of  the  brig  in  sight.  The  smallest 
of  the  young  gentlemen  might  have  done  that 
duty,  as  well  as  the  captain  or  myself.  It  is  the 
belief  of  those  who  are  best  informed  that  the 
stranger  who  has  the  impudence  to  lie  quietly 
within  long  range  of  a  royal  cruiser,  without  show- 
ing his  colors,  is  neither  more  nor  less  than  the 
famous '  Skimmer  of  the  Seas,'  a  man  against  whose 
seamanship  I  will  say  nothing,  but  who  has  none 
of  the  best  reputation  for  honesty,  as  respects 
the  queen's  revenue.  No  doubt  you  have  heard 
many  extraordinary  accounts  of  the  exploits  of 
this  rover,  some  of  which  seem  to  insinuate  that 
the  fellow  has  a  private  understanding  with  those 
who  manage  their  transactions  in  a  less  religious 
manner  than  it  may  be  supposed  is  done  by  the 
bench  of  bishops.  But  what  of  that?  You  are 
hearty  Englishmen,  who  know  what  belongs  to 

church  and  state  ;  and  d  e  you  are  not  the  boys 

to  be  frightened  by  a  little  witchcraft"  (cheer). 
"  Ay,  that  is  intelligible  and  reasonable  language, 
and  such  as  satisfies  me  you  understand  the  sub- 
ject. I  shall  say  no  more  than  just  to  add  that 
Captain  Ludlow  desires  there  may  be  no  indecent 
language,  nor  for  that  matter  any  rough  treat- 
ment of  the  people  of  the  brigantine,  over  and 
above  the  knocking  on  the  head  and  cutting  of 
throats  that  may  be  necessary  to  take  her.  In 
this  particular  you  will  take  example  by  me,  who, 
being  older,  have  more  experience  than  most  of 


you,  and  who,  in  all  reason,  should  better  know 
when  and  where  to  show  his  manhood. '  Lay  about 
you  like  men  so  long  as  the  free-traders  stand  to 
their  quarters — but  remember  mercy  in  the  hour 
of  victory  !  You  will  on  no  account  enter  the  cab- 
ins; on  this  head  my  orders  are  explicit,  and  I 
shall  make  no  more  of  throwing  the  man  into  the 
sea  who  dares  to  transgress  them,  than  if  he  were 
a  dead  Frenchman ;  and  as  we  now  clearly  under- 
stand each  other,  and  know  our  duty  so  well, 
there  remains  no  more  than  to  do  it.  I  have  said 
nothing  of  the  prize-money"  (a  cheer),  "  seeing  you 
are  men  that  love  the  queen  and  her  honor  more 
than  lucre  "  (a  cheer) ;  "  but  this  much  I  can  safely 
promise,  that  there  will  be  the  usual  division"  (a 
cheer),  "  and  as  there  is  little  doubt  but  the  rogues 
■  have  driven  a  profitable  trade,  why  the  sum 
total  is  likely  to  be  no  trifle."  (Three  hearty 
cheers.) 

The  report  of  a  pistol  from  the  barge,  which 
was  immediately  followed  by  a  gun  from  the 
cruiser,  whose  shot  came  whistling  between  the 
masts  of  the  Water-Witch,  was  the  signal  to  re- 
sort to  the  ordinary  means  of  victory.  The  mas- 
ter cheered  in  his  turn ;  and  in  a  full,  steady,  and 
deep  voice,  he  gave  the  order  to  "  pull  away  !  " 
At  the  same  instant,  the  barge  and  yawl  were 
seen  advancing  toward  the  object  of  their  common 
attack,  with  a  velocity  that  promised  to  bring  the 
event  -to  a  speedy  issue. 

Throughout  the  whole  of  the  preparations  in 
and  about  the  Coquette,  since  the  moment  when 
the  breeze  failed,  nothing  had  been  seen  of  the 
crew  of  the  brigantine.  The  beautiful  fabric  lay 
rolling  on  the  heaving  and  setting  waters ;  but 
no  human  form  appeared  to  control  her  move- 
ment, or  to  make  the  arrangements  that  seemed 
so  necessary  for  her  defence.  The  sails  continued 
hanging  as  they  had  been  left  by  the  breeze,  and 
the  hull  was  floating  at  the  will  of  the  waves. 
This  deep  quiet  was  undisturbed  by  the  approach 
of  the  boats  ;  and,  if  the  desperate  individual  who 
was  known  to  command  the  free-trader  had  any 
intentions  of  resistance,  they  had  been  entirely 
hid  from  the  long  and  anxious  gaze  of  Ludlow. 
Even  the  shouts,  and  the  dashing  of  the  oars  on 
the  water,  when  the  boats  commenced  their  final 
advance,  produced  no  change  on  the  deck  of  the 
chase ;  though  the  commander  of  the  Coquette 
saw  her  head-yards  slowly  and  steadily  changing 
their  direction.  Uncertain  of  the  object  of  this 
movement,  he  rose  on  the  seat  of  his  boat,  and, 
waving  his  hat,  cheered  the  men  to  greater  exer- 
tion. The  barge  had  got  within  a  hundred  feet 
of  the  broadside  of  the  brigantine,  when  the  whole 
of  her  wide  folds  of  canvas  were  seen  swelling 


108 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


outward.  The  exquisitely-ordered  machinery  of 
spars,  sails,  and  rigging,  bowed  toward  the  barge, 
as  in  the  act  of  a  graceful  leave-taking,  and  the 
light  hull  glided  ahead,  leaving  the  boat  to  plough 
through  the  empty  space  which  it  had  just  occu- 
pied. There  needed  no  second  look  to  assure 
Ludlow  of  the  inefficacy  of  further  pursuit,  since 
the  sea  was  already  ruffled  by  the  breeze  which 
had  so  opportunely  come  to  aid  the  smuggler. 
He  signed  to  Trysail  to  desist ;  and  both  stood 
looking,  with  disappointed  eyes,  at  the  white  and 
bubbling  streak  which  was  left  by  the  wake  of  the 
fugitive. 

But  while  the  Water-Witch  left  the  boats, 
commanded  by  the  captain  and  master  of  the 
queen's  cruiser,  behind  her,  she  steered  directly 
on  the  course  that  was  necessary  to  bring  her 
soonest  in  contact  with  the  yawl.  For  a  few  mo- 
ments, the  crew  of  the  latter  believed  it  was  their 
own  advance  that  brought  them  so  rapidly  near 
their  object ;  and,  when  the  midshipman  who 
steered  the  boat  discovered  his  error,  it  was  only 
in  season  to  prevent  the  swift  brigantine  from 
passing  over  his  little  bark.  He  gave  the  yawl  a 
wide  sheer,  and  called  to  his  men  to  pull  for  their 
lives.  Oloff  Van  Staats  had  placed  himself  at  the 
head  of  the  boat,  armed  with  a  hanger,  and  with 
every  faculty  too  intent  on  the  expected  attack, 
to  heed  a  danger  that  was  scarcely  intelligible  to 
one  of  his  habits.  As  the  brigantine  glideo"  past 
he  saw  her  low  channels  bending  toward  the  wa- 
ter, and,  with  a  powerful  effort,  he  leaped  into 
them,  shouting  a  sort  of  war-cry  in  Dutch.  At  the 
next  instant  he  threw  his  large  frame  over  the  bul- 
wark, and  disappeared  on  the  deck  of  the  smug- 
gler. 

When  Ludlow  caused  his  boats  to  assemble  on 
the  spot  which  the  chase  had  so  lately  occupied, 
he  saw  that  the  fruitless  expedition  had  been  at- 
tended by  no  other  casualty  than  the  involuntary 
abduction  of  the  Patroon  of  Kinderhook. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

"  What  country,  friends,  is  this  ?  " 
— "  Illyria,  lady." 

Twelfth  Night. 

Men  are  as  much  indebted  to  a  fortuitous 
concurrence  Of  circumstances  for  the  characters 
they  sustain  in  this  world,  as  to  their  personal 
qualities.  The  same  truth  is  applicable  to  the 
reputations  of  ships.  The  properties  of  a  vessel, 
like  those  of  an  individual,  may  have  their  influ- 
ence on  her  good  or  evil  fortune ;  still,  something 


is  due  to  the  accidents  of  life  in  both.  Although 
the  breeze  which  came  so  opportunely  to  the  aid 
of  the  Water-Witch,  soon  filled  the  sails  of  the 
Coquette,  it  caused  no  change  in  the  opinions  of 
her  crew  concerning  the  fortunes  of  that  ship ; 
while  it  served  to  heighten  the  reputation  which 
the  "  Skimmer  of  the  Seas  "  had  already  obtained, 
as  a  mariner  who  was  more  than  favored  by  happy 
chances,  in  the  thousand  emergencies  of  his  haz- 
ardous profession.  Trysail  himself  shook  his 
head,  in  a  manner  that  expressed  volumes,  when 
Ludlow  vented  his  humor  on  what  the  young  man 
termed  the  luck  of  the  smuggler ;  and  the  crews 
of  the  boats  gazed  after  the  retiring  brigantine,  as 
the  inhabitants  of  Japan  would  now  most  probably 
regard  the  passage  of  some  vessel  propelled  by 
steam.  As  Mr.  Luff  was  not  neglectful  of  his  duty, 
it  was  not  long  before  the  Coquette  approached 
her  boats.  The  delay  occasioned  by  hoisting  in 
the  latter  enabled  the  chase  to  increase  the  space 
between  the  two  vessels  to  such  a  distance  as  to 
place  her  altogether  beyOnd  the  reach  of  shot.  Lud- 
low, however,  gave  his  orders  to  pursue,  the  mo- 
ment the  ship  was  ready ;  and  he  hastened  to 
conceal  his  disappointment  in  his  own  cabin. 

"  Luck  is  a  merchant's  surplus,  while  a  living 
profit  is  the  reward  of  his  wits  !  "  observed  Alder- 
man Van  Beverout,  who  could  scarce  conceal  the 
satisfaction  he  felt  at  the  unexpected  and  repeat- 
ed escapes  of  the  brigantine.  "  Many  a  man 
gains  doubloons,  when  he  only  looked  for  dollars, 
and  many  a  market  falls  while  the  goods  are  in 
the  course  of  clearance.  There  are  Frenchmen 
enough,  Captain  Ludlow,  to  keep  a  brave  officer 
in  good-humor;  and  the  less  reason  to  fret  about 
a  trifling  mischance  in  overhauling  a  smuggler." 

"  I  know  not  how  highly  you  may  prize  your 
niece,  Mr.  Van  Beverout ;  but  were  I  the  uncle 
of  such  a  woman,  the  idea  that  she  had  become 
the  infatuated  victim  of  the  arts  of  yon  reckless 
villain,  would  madden  me!" 

"Paroxysms  and  strait -jackets !  Happily 
you  are  not  her  uncle,  Captain  Ludlow,  and  there- 
fore the  less  reason  to  be  uneasy.  The  girl  has  a 
French  fancy,  and  she  is  rummaging  the  smug- 
gler's silks  and  laces  ;  when  her  choice  is  made, 
we  shall  have  her  back  again,  more  beautiful  than 
ever,  for  a  little  finery." 

"Choice!  0  Alida,  Alida !  this  is  not  the 
election  that  we  had  reason  to  expect  from  thy 
cultivated  mind  and  proud  sentiments  !  " 

"  The  cultivation  is  my  work,  and  the  pride  is 
an  inheritance  from  old  Etienne  de  Barberie,'' 
dryly  rejoined  Myndert.  "  But  complaints  never 
lowered  a  market  nor  raised  the  funds.  Let  us 
send  for  the  patroon,  and  take  counsel  coolly,  as 


THE  COQUETTE'S  RETURN. 


109 


to  the  easiest  manner  of  finding  our  way  back  to 
the  Lust  in  Rust,  before  her  majesty's  ship  gets 
too  far  from  the  coast  of  America." 

"Thy  pleasantry  is  unseasonable,  sir.  Your 
patroon  is  gone  with  your  niece,  and  a  pleasant 
passage  they  are  likely  to  enjoy  in  such  company  ! 
We  lost  him  in  the  expedition  with  our  boats." 

The  alderman  stood  aghast. 

"  Lost ! — OlofF  Van  Staats  lost,  in  the  expedi- 
tion of  the  boats !  Evil  betide  the  day  when  that 
discreet  and  affluent  youth  should  be  lost  to  the 
colony  !  Sir,  you  know  not  what  you  utter  when 
you  hazard  so  rash  an  opinion.  The  death  of 
the  young  Patroon  of  Kinderhook  would  render 
one  of  the  best  and  most  substantial  of  our  fami- 
lies extinct,  and  leave  the  third  best  estate  in  the 
province  without  a  direct  heir  ! " 

"  The  calamity  i3  not  so  overwhelming,"  re- 
turned the  captain,  with  bitterness.  "The  gen- 
tleman has  boarded  the  smuggler,  and  gone  with 
la  belle  Barberie  to  examine  his  silks  and  laces." 

Ludlow  then  explained  the  manner  in  which 
the  patroon  had  disappeared.  When  perfectly 
assured  that  no  bodily  harm  had  befallen  his 
friend,  the  satisfaction  of  the  alderman  was  quite 
as  vivid  as  his  consternation  had  been  apparent 
but  the  moment  before. 

"Gone  with  la  belle  Barberie  to  examine 
silks  and  laces  !  "  he  repeated,  rubbing  his  hands 
together  in  delight.  "  Ay,  there  the  blood  of  my 
old  friend  Stephanus  begins  to  show  itself !  Your 
true  Hollander  is  no  mercurial  Frenchman,  to 
beat  his  head  and  make  grimaces  at  a  shift  in  the 
wind,  or  a  woman's  frown  ;  nor  a  blustering  Eng- 
lishman (you  are  of  the  colony  yourself,  young 
gentleman)  to  swear  a  big  oath  and  swagger; 
but,  as  you  see,  a  quiet,  persevering,  and,  in  the 
main,  an  active  son  of  old  Batavia,  who  watches 
his  opportunity,  and  goes  into  the  very  presence 
of—" 

"  Whom  ?  "  —  demanded  Ludlow,  perceiving 
that  the  alderman  had  paused. 

"Of  his  enemy;  seeing  that  all  the  enemies 
of  the  queen  are  necessarily  the  enemies  of  every 
loyal  subject.  Bravo,  young  Oloff!  thou  art  a 
lad  after  my  own  heart,  and  no  doubt— no  doubt 
— fortune  will  favor  the  brave !  Had  a  Holland- 
er a  proper  footing  on  this  earth,  Captain  Corne- 
lius Ludlow,  we  should  hear  a  different  tale  con- 
cerning the  right  to  the  narrow  seas,  and  indeed 
to  most  other  questions  of  commerce." 

Ludlow  rose  with  a  bitter  smile  on  his  face, 
though  with  no  ill  feeling  toward  the  man  whose 
exultation  was  so  natural. 

"  Mr.  Van  Staats  may  have  reason  to  congrat- 
ulate himself  on  his  good  fortune,"  he  said, 


"  though  I  much  mistake  if  even  his  enterprise 
will  succeed  against  the  wiles  of  one  so  artful, 
and  of  an  appearance  so  gay,  as  the  man  whose 
guest  he  has  now  become.  Let  the  caprice  of 
others  be  what  it  may,  Alderman  Van  Beverout, 
my  duty  must  be  done.  The  smuggler,  aided  by 
chance  and  artifice,  has  thrice  escaped  me ;  the 
fourth  time,  it  may  be  our  fortune.  If  this  ship 
possesses  the  power  to  destroy  the  lawless  rover, 
let  him  look  to  his  fate." 

With  this  menace  on  his  lips,  Ludlow  quitted 
the  cabin,  to  resume  his  station  on  the  deck,  and 
to  renew  his  unwearied  watching  of  the  move- 
ments of  the  chase. 

The  change  in  the  wind  was  altogether  in  fa- 
vor of  the  brigantine.  It  brought  her  to  wind- 
ward, and  was  the  means  of  placing  the  two  ves- 
sels in  positions  that  enabled  the  Water- Witch  to 
profit  the  most  by  her  peculiar  construction. 
Consequently,  when  Ludlow  reached  his  post,  he 
saw  that  the  swift  and  light  craft  had  trimmed 
every  thing  close  upon  the  wind,  and  that  she 
was  already  so  far  ahead  as  to  render  the  chances 
of  bringing  her  again  within  range  of  his  guns  al- 
most desperate ;  unless,  indeed,  some  of  the  many 
vicissitudes,  so  common  on  the  ocean,  should  in- 
terfere in  his  behalf.  There  remained  little  else 
to  be  done,  therefore,  but  to  crowd  every  sail  on 
the  Coquette  that  the  ship  would  bear,  and  to  en- 
deavor to  keep  within  sight  of  the  chase,  during 
the  hours  of  darkness  which  must  so  shortly  suc- 
ceed. But,  before  the  sun  had  fallen  to  the  level 
of  the  water,  the  hull  of  the  Water- Witch  had 
disappeared;  and,  when  the  day  closed,  no  part 
of  her  airy  outline  was  visible  but  that  which  was 
known  to  belong  to  her  upper  and  lighter  spars. 
In  a  few  minutes  afterward  darkness  covered  the 
ocean  ;  and  the  seamen  of  the  royal  cruiser  were 
left  to  pursue  their  object  at  random. 

How  far  the  Coquette  had  run  during  the  night 
does  not  appear,  but  when  her  commander  made 
his  appearance  on  the  following  morning,  his  long 
and  anxious  gaze  met  no  other  reward  than  a 
naked  horizon.  On  every  side,  the  sea  presented 
the  same  waste  of  water.  No  object  was  visible, 
but  the  sea-fowl  wheeling  on  his  wide  wing,  and 
the  summits  of  the  irregular  and  green  billows. 
Throughout  that  and  many  succeeding  days,  the 
cruiser  continued  to  plough  the  ocean,  sometimes 
running  large,  with  every  thing  opened  to  the 
breeze  that  the  wide  booms  would  spread,  and,  at 
others,  pitching  and  laboring  with  adverse  winds, 
as  if  bent  on  prevailing  over  the  obstacles  which 
even  Nature  presented  to  her  progress.  The  head 
of  the  worthy  alderman  had  got  completely  turned ; 
and,  though  he  patiently  awaited  the  result,  before 


110 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


the  week  was  ended,  he  knew  not  even  the  di- 
rection in  which  the  ship  was  steering.  At  length 
he  had  reason  to  believe  that  the  end  of  their 
cruise  approached.  The  efforts  of  the  seamen 
were  observed  to  relax,  and  the  ship  was  permitted 
to  pursue  her  course  under  easier  sail. 

It  was  past  meridian,  on  one  of  those  days  of 
moderate  exertion,  that  Francois  was  seen  steal- 
ing from  below,  and  staggering  from  gun  to  gun, 
to  a  place  in  the  centre  of  the  ship,  where  he 
habitually  took  the  air,  in  good  weather,  and 
where  he  might  dispose  of  his  person,  equally 
without  presuming  too  far  on  the  good-nature  of 
his  superiors,  and  without  courting  too  much  in- 
timacy with  the  coarser  herd,  who  composed  the 
common  crew. 

"Ah!"  exclaimed  the  valet,  addressing  his 
remark  to  the  midshipman  who  has  already  been 
mentioned  by  the  name  of  Hopper — "  voila  la 
terre !  Quel  bonheur  !  I  shall  be  so  happy — le 
batiment  be  trop  agreable,  mais  vous  savez,  Mon- 
sieur Aspirant,  que  je  ne  suis  point  marin — what 
be  le  nom  du  pays  ?  " 

"  They  call  it  France,"  returned  the  boy,  who 
understood  enough  of  the  other's  language  to 
comprehend  his  meaning ;  "  and  a  very  good 
country  it  is — for  those  that  like  it." 

"  Ma  foi,  non ! " — exclaimed  Francois,  recoil- 
ing a  pace  between  amazement  and  delight. 

"  Call  it  Holland,  then,  if  you  prefer  that  coun- 
try most." 

"  Dites-moi,  Monsieur  Hoppair,"  continued  the 
valet,  laying  a  trembling  finger  on  the  arm  of  the 
remorseless  young  rogue ;  "  est-ce  la  France  ?  " 

"  One  would  think  a  man  of  your  observation 
could  tell  that  for  himself.  Do  you  not  see  the 
church-tower,  with  a  chateau  in  the  background, 
and  a  village  built  in  a  heap,  by  its  side  ?  Now 
look  into  yon  wood !  There  is  a  walk,  straight 
as  a  ship's  wake  in  smooth  water,  and  one — two 
— three — ay,  eleven  statues,  with  just  one  nose 
among  them  all !  " 

"  Ma  foi — dere  is  not  no  wood,  and  no  chateau, 
and  no  village,  and  no  statue,  and  no  nose — mais, 
monsieur,  je  suis  age — est-ce  la  France  ?  " 

"  Oh,  you  miss  nothing  by  having  an  indiffer- 
ent sight,  for  I  shall  explain  it  all,  as  we  go  along. 
You  see  yonder  hill-side,  looking  like  a  pattern- 
card,  of  green  and  yellow  stripes,  or  a  signal-book, 
with  the  flags  of  all  nations,  placed  side  by  side — 
well,  that  is — les  champs  ;  and  this  beautiful  wood, 
with  all  the  branches  trimmed  till  it  looks  like  so 
many  raw  marines  at  drill,  is— la  foret — " 

The  credulity  of  the  warm-hearted  valet 
could  swallow  no  more ;  but,  assuming  a  look  of 
commiseraftbn  and  dignity,  he  drew  back,  and 


left  the  young  tyro  of  the  sea  to  enjoy  his  joke 
with  a  companion  who  just  then  joined  him. 

In  the  mean  time,  the  Coquette  continued  to 
advance.  The  chateau,  and  churches,  and  vil- 
lages, of  the  midshipman,  soon  changed  into  a 
low  sandy  beach,  with  a  background  of  stunted 
pines,  relieved  here  and  there  by  an  opening,  in 
which  appeared  the  comfortable  habitation  and 
numerous  out-buildings  of  some  substantial  yeo- 
man, or  occasionally  embellished  by  the  residence 
of  a  country  proprietor.  Toward  noon,  the  crest 
of  a  hill  rose  from  the  sea;  and,  just  as  the  sun 
set  behind  the  barrier  of  mountain,  the  ship  passed 
the  sandy  cape,  and  anchored  at  the  spot  that 
she  had  quitted  when  first  joined  by  her  com- 
mander after  his  visit  to  the  brigantine.  The 
vessel  was  soon  moored,  the  light  yards  were 
struck,  and  a  boat  was  lowered  into  the  water. 
Ludlow  and  the  alderman  then  descended  the  side, 
and  proceeded  toward  the  mouth  of  the  Shrews- 
bury. Although  it  was  nearly  dark  before  they 
had  reached  the  shore,  there  remained  light  enough 
to  enable  the  former  to  discover  an  object  of  un- 
usual appearance  floating  in  the  bay,  and  at  no 
great  distance  from  the  direction  of  his  barge.  He 
was  led  by  curiosity  to  steer  for  it. 

"  Cruisers  and  Water- Witches  !  "  muttered 
Myndert,  when  they  were  near  enough  to  perceive 
the  nature  of  the  floating  object.  "  That  brazen 
hussy  haunts  us,  as  if  we  had  robbed  her  of  gold ! 
Let  us  set  foot  on  land,  and  nothing  short  of  a 
deputation  from  the  city  council  shall  ever  tempt 
me  to  wander  from  my  own  abode  again!  " 

Ludlow  shifted  the  helm  of  the  boat,  and  re- 
sumed his  course  toward  the  river.  He  required 
no  explanation  to  tell  him  more  of  the  nature  of 
the  artifice  by  which  he  had  been  duped.  The 
nicely-balanced  tub,  the  upright  spar,  and  the  ex- 
tinguished lantern,  with  the  features  of  the  female 
of  the  malign  smile  traced  on  its  horn  faces,  re- 
minded him,  at  once,  of  the  false  light  by  which 
the  Coquette  had  been  lured  from  her  course,  on 
the  night  she  sailed  in  pursuit  of  the  brigantine. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

"  His  daughter,  and  the  heir  of  his  kingdom, 
— hath  referred  herself 
Unto  a  poor  but  worthy  gentleman." 

Ctmbeline. 

When  Alderman  Van  Beverout  and  Ludlow 
drew  near  to  the  Lust  in  Rust,  it  was  already 
dark.  Night  had  overtaken  them  at  some  dis- 
tance from  the  place  of  landing  ;  and  the  moun- 
tain already  threw  its  shadow  across  the  river, 


LA  BELLE 

the  narrow  strip  of  land  that  separated  it  from  the 
sea,  and  far  upon  the  ocean  itself.  Neither  had 
an  opportunity  of  making  his  observations  on  the 
condition  of  things  in  and  about  the  villa,  until 
they  ascended  nearly  to  its  level,  and  had  even 
entered  the  narrow  but  fragrant  lawn  in  its  front. 
Just  before  they  arrived  at  the  gate  which  opened 
on  the  latter,  the  alderman  paused,  and  addressed 
his  companion  with  more  of  the  manner  of  their 
ancient  confidence  than  he  had  manifested  dur- 
ing the  few  preceding  days  of  their  intercourse. 

"  Y©u  must  have  observed  that  the  events  of 
this  little  excursion  on  the  water  have  been  rath- 
er of  a  domestic  than  of  a  public  character,"  he 
said.  "  Thy  father  was  a  very  ancient  and  much- 
esteemed  friend  of  mine,  and  I  am  far  from  cer- 
tain that  there  is  not  some  affinity  between  us,  in 
the  way  of  intermarriages.  Thy  worthy  mother, 
who  is  a  thrifty  woman  and  a  small  talker,  had 
some  of  the  blood  of  my  own  stock.  It  would 
grieve  me  to  see  the  good  understanding,  which 
these  recollections  have  created,  in  any  manner 
interrupted.  I  admit,  sir,  that  revenue  is  to 
the  state  what  the  soul  is  to  the  body  —  the 
moving  and  governing  principle  ;  and  that,  as  the 
last  would  be  a  tenantless  house  without  its 
inhabitants,  so  the  first  would  be  an  exacting  and 
troublesome  master  without  its  proper  products. 
But  there  is  no  need  of  pushing  a  principle  to 
extremities  !  If  this  brigantine  be  as  you  appear 
to  suspect,  and  indeed  as  we  have  some  reason 
from  various  causes  to  infer,  the  vessel  called 
the  Water- Witch,  she  might  have  been  a  legal 
prize  had  she  fallen  into  your  power ;  but  now 
that  she  has  escaped,  I  cannot  say  what  may  be 
your  intentions ;  but  were  thy  excellent  father,  the 
worthy  member  of  the  king's  council,  living,  so  dis- 
creet a  man  would  think  much  before  he  opened 
his  lips,  to  say  more  than  is  discreet,  on  this  or 
any  other  subject." 

"  Whatever  course  I  may  believe  my  duty 
dictates,  you  may  safely  rely  on  my  discretion 
concerning  the — the  remarkable — the  very  decided 
step  which  your  niece  has  seen  proper  to  take," 
returned  the  young  man,  who  did  not  make  this 
allusion  to  Alida  without  betraying,  by  the  tre- 
mor of  his  voice,  how  great  was  her  influence  still 
over  him.  "  I  see  no  necessity  of  violating  the 
domestic  feelings  to  which  you  allude,  by  aiding 
to  feed  the  ears  of  the  idly  curious  with  the  nar- 
rative of  her  errors." 

Ludlow  stopped  suddenly,  leaving  the  uncle  to 
infer  what  he  would  wish  to  add. 

"  This  is  generous,  and  manly,  and  like  a  loy- 
al— lover,  Captain  Ludlow,"  returned  the  alder- 
man ;  "  though  it  is  not  exactly  what  I  intended  to 


BARBERIE.  HI 

suggest.  We  will  not,  however,  multiply  words 
in  the  night  air —  Ha  !  when  the  cat  is  asleep,  the 
mice  are  seen  to  play !  Those  night-riding, 
horse-racing  blacks  have  taken  possession  of  Ali- 
da's  pavilion;  and  we  may  be  thankful  the  poor 
girl's  rooms  are  not  as  large*  as  Haerlem  Com- 
mon, or  we  should  hear  the  feet  of  some  hard- 
driven  beast  galloping  about  in  them." 

The  alderman,  in  his  turn,  cut  short  his  speech, 
and  started  as  if  one  of  the  spooks  of  the  colony 
had  suddenly  presented  itself  to  his  eyes.  His 
language  drew  the  look  of  his  companion  toward 
la  Cour  des  Fees ;  and  Ludlow,  at  the  same  mo- 
ment as  the  uncle,  caught  an  unequivocal  view  of 
la  belle  Barberie,  as  she  moved  before  the  open 
window  of  her  apartment.  The  latter  was  about 
to  rush  forward,  but  the  hand  of  Myndert  arrested 
the  impetuous  movement. 

"  Here  is  more  matter  for  our  wits  than  our 
legs,"  observed  the  cool  and  prudent  burgher. 
"  That  was  the  form  of  my  ward  and  niece,  or  the 
daughter  of  old  Etienne  Barberie  has  a  double. 
— Francis  !  didst  thou  not  see  the  image  of  a  wom- 
an at  the  window  of  the  pavilion,  or  are  we  de- 
ceived by  our  wishes  ? — I  have  sometimes  been 
deluded  in  an  unaccountable  manner,  Captain 
Ludlow,  when  my  mind  has  been  thoroughly  set 
on  the  bargain,  in  the  quality  of  the  goods  ;  for 
the  most  liberal  of  us  all  are  subject  to  mental 
weakness  of  this  nature,  when  hope  is  alive  !  " 

"  Certainement,  oui!"  exclaimed  the  eager 
valet.  "  Quel  malheur  to  be  oblige  to  go  on  la 
mer,  when  Mam'selle  Alide  nevair  quit  la  maison  ! 
J'etais  sur,  que  nous  nous  trompions,  car  jamais  la 
famille  de  Barberie  love  to  be  marins  !  " 

"  Enough,  good  Francis ;  the  family  of  Barbe- 
rie is  as  earthy  as  a  fox.  Go  and  notify  the  idle 
rogues  in  my  kitchen  that  their  master  is  at  hand  ; 
and  remember,  that  there  is  no  necessity  for  speak- 
ing of  all  the  wonders  we  have  seen  on  the  great 
deep. — Captain  Ludlow,  we  will  now  join  my  duti- 
ful niece  with  as  little  fracas  as  possible." 

Ludlow  eagerly  accepted  the  invitation,  and  in- 
stantly followed  the  dogmatical  and  seemingly  un- 
moved alderman  toward  the  dwelling.  As  the  lawn 
was  crossed,  they  involuntarily  paused  a  moment 
to  look  in  at  the  open  windows  of  the  pavilion. 

La  belle  Barberie  had  ornamented  la  Cour  des 
Fees  with  a  portion  of  that  national  taste  which 
she  inherited  from  her  father.  The  heavy  mag- 
nificence, that  distinguished  the  reign  of  Louis 
XIV.,  had  scarcely  descended  to  one  of  the  mid- 
dling rank  of  Monsieur  de  Barberie,  who  had  con- 
sequently brought  with  him  to  the  place  of  his 
exile,  merely  those  tasteful  usages  which  appear 
almost  exclusively  the  property  of  thc  people  from 


112 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


whom  he  had  sprung,  without  the  encumbrance 
and  cost  of  the  more  pretending  fashions  of  the 
period.  These  usages  had  become  blended  with 
the  more  domestic  and  comfortable  habits  of  Eng- 
lish, or,  what  is  nearly  the  same  thing,  of  Ameri- 
can life — a  union  which,  when  it  is  found,  per- 
haps produces  the  most  just  and  happy  medium 
of  the  useful  and  agreeable.  Alida  was  seated 
by  a  small  table  of  mahogany,  deeply  absorbed  in 
the  contents  of  a  little  volume  that  lay  before 
her.  By  her  side  stood  a  tea-service,  the  cups 
and  the  vessels  of  which  were  of  the  diminu- 
tive size  then  used,  though  exquisitely  wrought 
and  of  the  most  beautiful  material.  Her  dress 
was  a  neglige  suited  to  her  years ;  and  her  whole 
figure  breathed  that  air  of  comfort,  mingled  with 
grace,  which  seems  to  be  the  proper  quality 
of  the  sex,  and  which  renders  the  privacy  of  an 
elegant  woman  so  attractive  and  peculiar.  Her 
mind  was  intent  on  the  book,  and  the  little  silver 
urn  hissed  at  her  elbow,  apparently  unheeded. 

"  This  is  the  picture  I  have  loved  to  draw,*' 
half-whispered  Ludlow,  "  when  gales  and  storms 
have  kept  me  on  the  deck,  throughout  many  a 
dreary  and  tempestuous  night !  When  body  and 
mind  have  been  impatient  of  fatigue,  this  is  the 
repose  I  have  most  coveted,  and  for  which  I  have 
even  dared  to  hope ! " 

"  The  China  trade  will  come  to  something,  in 
time,  and  you  are  an  excellent  judge  of  comfort, 
Master  Ludlow,"  returned  the  alderman.  M  That 
girl  now  has  a  warm  glow  on  her  cheek,  which 
would  seem  to  swear  she  never  faced  a  breeze  in 
her  life ;  and  it  is  not  easy  to  fancy  that  one  who 
looks  so  comfortable  has  lately  been  frolicking 
among  the  dolphins. — Let  us  enter." 

Alderman  Tan  Beverout  was  not  accustomed 
to  use  much  ceremony  in  his  visits  to  his  niece. 
Without  appearing  to  think  any  announcement 
necessary,  therefore,  the  dogmatical  burgher  cool- 
ly opened  a  door,  and  ushered  his  companion  into 
the  pavilion. 

If  the  meeting  between  la  belle  Alida  and  her 
guests  was  distinguished  by  the  affected  indiffer- 
ence of  the  latter,  their  seeming  ease  was  quite 
equalled  by  that  of  the  lady.  She  laid  aside  her 
book  with  a  calmness  that  might  have  been  ex- 
pected had  they  parted  but  an  hour  before,  and 
which  sufficiently  assured  both  Ludlow  and  her 
uncle  that  their  return  was  known  and  their  pres- 
ence expected.  She  simply  arose  at  their  en- 
trance, and,  with  a  smile  that  betokened  breeding 
rather  than  feeling,  she  requested  them  to  be 
seated.  The  composure  of  his  niece  had  the  ef- 
fect to  throw  the  alderman  into  a  brown  study, 
while  the  young  sailor  scarcely  knew  which  to 


I  admire  the  most,  the  exceeding  loveliness  of  a 
!  woman  who  was  always  so  beautiful,  or  her  admi- 
rable self-possession  in  a  scene  that  most  others 
j  would  have  found  sufficiently  embarrassing.  Alida, 
I  herself,  appeared  to  feel  no  necessity  for  any  ex- 
I  planation  ;  for,  when  her  guests  were  seated,  she 
|  took  occasion  to  say,  while  busied  in  pouring  out 
the  tea : 

"  You  find  me  prepared  to  offer  the  refresh- 
ment  of  a  cup  of  delicious  bohea.  I  think  my 
uncle  calls  it  the  tea  of  the  Caernarvon  GatiHe." 

"  A  lucky  ship,  both  in  her  passages  and  her 
wares  !  Yes,  it  is  the  article  you  name :  and  I 
can  recommend  it  to  all  who  wish  to  purchase. 
But,  niece  of  mine,  will  you  condescend  to  ac- 
i  quaint  this  commander  in  her  majesty's  service, 
and  a  poor  alderman  of  her  good  city  of  Xew 
York,  how  long  you  may  have  been  expecting  our 
i  company  ?  " 

Alida  felt  at  her  girdle,  and,  drawing  out  a 
j  small  and  richly-ornamented  Match,  she  coolly 
examined  its  hands,  as  if  to  learn  the  hour. 

"  We  are  nine.    I  think  it  was  past  the  turn 
j  of  the  day,  when  Dinah  first  mentioned  that  this 
!  pleasure  might  be  expected.    But  I  should  also 
tell  you  that  packages  which  seem  to  contain  let- 
1  ters  have  arrived  from  town." 

This  was  giving  a  new  and  sudden  direction 
to  the  thoughts  of  the  alderman.    He  had  re- 
'  frained  from  entering  on  those  explanations  which 
\  the  circumstances  seemed  to  require,  because  he 
j  well  knew  that  he  stood  on  dangerous  ground,  and 
j  that  more  might  be  said  than  he  wished  his  com- 
panion to  hear,  no  less  than  from  amazement  at 
■  the  composure  of  his  ward.    He  was  not  5    :  7. 
j  therefore,  to  have  an  excuse  to  delay  his  in- 
:  quiries,  that  appeared  so  much  in  character  as 
1  that  of  reading  the  communications  of  his  busi- 
ness correspondents.    Swallowing  the  contents 
of  the  tiny  cup  he  held,  at  a  gulp,  the  eager  mer- 
chant seized  the  packet  that  Alida  now  offered  ; 
\  and,  muttering  a  few  words  of  apology  to  Ludlow, 
he  left  the  pavilion. 

Until  now  the  commander  of  the  Coquette  had 
not  spoken.  Wonder,  mingled  with  indignation, 
sealed  his  mouth,  though  he  had  endeavored  to  pen- 
etrate the  veil  which  Alida  had  drawn  around  her 
conduct  and  motives,  by  a  diligent  use  of  his  eyes. 
"During  the  first  few  moments  of  the  interview, 
he  thought  that  he  could  detect,  in  the  midst  of 
her  studied  calmness,  a  melancholy  smile  strug- 
gling around  her  beautiful  mouth  ;  but  only  once 
had  their  looks  meet,  as  she  turned  her  full,  rich, 
and  dark  eyes  furtively  on  his  face,  as  if  curious 
to  know  the  effect  produced  by  her  manner  on 
the  mind  of  the  young  sailor. 


CAPTAIN  LUDLOW'S  INTERVIEW  WITH  ALIDA. 


113 


"  Have  the  enemies  of  the  queen  reason  to  re- 
gret the  cruise  of  the  Coquette  ?  "  said  la  Belle, 
hurriedly,  when  she  found  her  glance  detected  ; 
"  or  have  they  dreaded  to  encounter  a  prowess 
that  has  already  proved  their  inferiority?" 

"  Fear,  or  prudence,  or  perhaps  I  might  say 
conscience,  has  made  them  wary,"  returned  Lud- 
low, pointedly  emphasizing  the  latter  words. 
"  We  have  run  from  the  Hook  to  the  edge  of  the 
Grand  Bank,  and  returned  without  success." 

"  'Tis  unlucky.  But,  though  the  French  es- 
caped, have  none  of  the  lawless  met  with  punish- 
ment ?  There  is  a  rumor  among  the  slaves  that 
the  brigantine  which  visited  us  is  an  object  of 
suspicion  to  the  government?  " 

"  Suspicion ! — But  I  may  apply  to  la  belle 
Barberie  to  know  whether  the  character  her  com- 
mander has  obtained  be  merited  ?  " 

Alida  smiled,  and,  her  admirer  thought,  sweet- 
ly as  ever. 

"  It  would  be  a  sign  of  extraordinary  com- 
plaisance, were  Captain  Ludlow  to  apply  to  the 
girls  of  the  colony  for  instruction  in  his  duty ! 
We  may  be  secret  encouragers  of  the  contraband, 
but,  surely,  we  are  not  to  be  suspected  of  any 
greater  familiarity  with  their  movements.  These 
hints  may  compel  me  to  abandon  the  pleasures  of 
the  Lust  in  Rust,  and  to  seek  air  and  health  in 
some  less  exposed  situation.  Happily  the  banks 
of  the  Hudson  offer  many,  that  one  need  be  fas- 
tidious indeed  to  reject." 

"Among  which  you  count  the  manor-house  of 
Kinderhook  ?  " 

Again  Alida  smiled,  and  Ludlow  thought  it 
was  triumphantly. 

"  The  dwelling  of  Oloff  Van  Staats  is  said  to 
be  commodious,  and  not  badly  placed.  I  have 
seen  it — " 

"  In  your  images  of  the  future  ?  "  said  the 
young  man,  observing  she  hesitated. 

Alida  laughed  downright.  But,  immediately 
recovering  her  self-command,  she  replied : 

"  Not  so  fancifully.  My  knowledge  of  the 
beauties  of  the  house  of  Mr.  Van  Staats  is  confined 
to  very  unpoetical  glimpses  from  the  river,  in 
passing  and  repassing.  The  chimneys  are  twisted 
in  the  most  approved  style  of  the  Dutch  Brabant, 
and,  although  wanting  the  stork's-nest  on  their 
summits,  it  seems  as  if  there  might  be  that  wom- 
an's tempter,  comfort,  around  the  hearths  beneath. 
The  offices,  too,  have  an  enticing  air,  for  a  thrifty 
housewife ! " 

"  Which  office,  in  compliment  to  the  wor- 
thy patroon,  you  intend  shall  not  long  be  va- 
cant ?  " 

Alida  was  playing  with  the  spoon,  curiously 
8 


|  wrought  to  represent  the  stem  and  leaves  of  a 
tea-plant.  She  started,  dropped  the  implement, 
and  raised  her  eyes  to  the  face  of  her  companion. 
The  look  was  steady,  and  not  without  an  interest 
in  the  evident  concern  betrayed  by  the  young 
man. 

"  It  will  never  be  filled  by  me,  Ludlow,"  was 
the  answer,  uttered  solemnly,  and  with  a  decision 
that  denoted  a  resolution  affixed. 

"  That  declaration  removes  a  mountain ! — 0 
Alida,  if  you  could  as  easily — " 

"  Hush ! "  whispered  the  other,  rising  and 
standing  for  a  moment  in  an  attitude  of  intense 
expectation.  Her  eye  became  brighter,  and  the 
bloom  on  her  cheek  even  deeper  than  before, 
while  pleasure  and  hope  were  both  strongly  de- 
picted on  her  beautiful  face — "hush!"  she  con- 
tinued, motioning  to  Ludlow  to  repress  his  feel- 
ings.   "  Did  you  hear  nothing  ?  " 

The  disappointed  and  yet  admiring  young 
man  was  silent,  though  he  watched  her  singularly 
interesting  air  and  lovely  features  with  all  the  in- 
tenseness  that  seemed  to  characterize  her  own  de- 
portment. As  no  sound  followed  that  which  Alida 
had  heard  or  fancied  she  had  heard,  she  resumed 
her  seat,  and  appeared  to  lend  her  attention  once 
more  to  her  companion. 

"  You  were  speaking  of  mountains  ?  "  she  said, 
scarce  knowing  what  she  uttered.  "  The  passage 
between  the  bays  of  Newburg  and  Tappan  has 
scarce  a  rival,  as  I  have  heard  from  travelled 
men." 

"  I  was  indeed  speaking  of  a  mountain,  but  it 
was  of  one  that  weighs  on  my  heart.  Your  in- 
explicable conduct  and  cruel  indifference  have 
heaped  it  on  my  feelings,  Alida.  You  have  said 
that  there  is  no  hope  for  OlofF  Van  Staats ;  and 
one  syllable,  spoken  with  your  native  ingenuous- 
ness and  sincerity,  has  had  the  effect  to  blow  all 
my  apprehensions  from  that  quarter  to  the  winds. 
There  remains  only  to  account  for  your  absence, 
to  resume  the  whole  of  your  power  over  one  who 
is  but  too  readily  disposed  to  confide  in  all  you 
say  or  do.'' 

La  belle  Barberie  seemed  touched.  Her  glance 
at  the  young  sailor  was  kinder,  and  her  voice 
wanted  some  of  its  ordinary  steadiness  in  the  re- 
ply- 

"  That  power  has  then  been  weakened  ? " 

"  You  will  despise  me  if  I  say  no — you  will 
distrust  me  if  I  say  yes." 

"  Then  silence  seems  the  course  best  adapted 
to  maintain  our  present  amity.  Surely  I  heard  a 
blow  struck,  lightly,  on  the  shutter  of  that  win- 
dow ?  " 

"  Hope  sometimes  deceives  us.    This  repeated 


114 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


belief  would  seem  to  say  that  you  expect  a  vis- 
itor ?" 

A  distinct  tap  on  the  shutter  confirmed  the 
impression  of  the  mistress  of  the  pavilion.  Alida 
looked  at  her  companion  and  appeared  embar- 
rassed. Her  color  varied,  and  she  seemed  anxious 
to  utter  something  that  either  her  feelings  or  her 
prudence  suppressed. 

"  Captain  Ludlow,  you  have  once  before  been 
an  unexpected  witness  of  an  interview  in  la  Cour 
des  Fees,  that  has,  I  fear,  subjected  me  to  un- 
favorable surmises.  But  one  manly  and  generous 
as  yourself  can  have  indulgence  for  the  little  vani- 
ties of  woman.  I  expect  a  visit  that,  perhaps,  a 
queen's  officer  should  not  countenance." 

"Iam  no  exciseman,  to  pry  into  wardrobes 
and  secret  repositories,  but  one  whose  duty  it  is 
to  act  only  on  the  high-seas,  and  against  the  more 
open  violators  of  the  law.  If  you  have  any  with- 
out, whose  presence  you  desire,  let  them  enter 
without  dread  of  my  office.  When  we  meet  in  a 
more  suitable  place,  I  shall  know  how  to  take  my 
revenge." 

His  companion  looked  grateful,  and  bowed 
her  acknowledgments.  She  then  made  a  ringing 
sound  by  using  a  spoon  on  the  interior  of  one  of 
the  vessels  of  the  tea  equipage.  The  shrubbery 
which  shaded  a  window  stirred ;  and  presently 
the  young  stranger,  already  so  well  known  in  the 
former  pages  of  this  work,  and  in  the  scenes  of 
the  brigantine,  appeared  in  the  low  balcony.  His 
person  was  scarcely  seen,  before  a  light  bale  of 
goods  was  tossed  past  him,  into  the  centre  of  the 
room. 

"I  send  my  certificate  of  character  as  an 
avant-courrier"  said  the  gay  dealer  in  contraband, 
or  Master  Seadrift,  as  he  was  called  by  the  alder- 
man, touching  his  cap,  gallantly,  to  the  mistress 
of  la  Cour  des  Fees,  and  then  somewhat  more 
ceremoniously  to  her  companion ;  after  which 
he  returned  the  gold-bound  covering  to  its  seat, 
on  a  bed  of  rich  and  glossy  curls,  and  sought  his 
package.  "Here  is  one  more  customer  than  I 
bargained  for,  and  I  look  to  more  than  common 
gain !  —  We  have  met  before,  Captain  Lud- 
low." 

"  We  have,  Sir  Skimmer  of  the  Seas,  and  we 
shall  meet  again.  Winds  may  change,  and  for- 
tune yet  favor  the  right !•'-'■ 

"We  trust  to  the  sea-green  lady's  care,"  re- 
turned the  extraordinary  smuggler,  pointing  with 
a  species  of  reverence,  real  or  affected,  to  the 
image  that  was  beautifully  worked,  in  rich  colors, 
on  the  velvet  of  his  cap.  What  has  been  will  be, 
and  the  past  gives  a  hope  for  the  future.  We 
meet,  here,  on  neutral  ground,  I  trust." 


"  I  am  the  commander  of  a  royal  cruiser,  sir," 
haughtily  returned  the  other. 

"  Queen  Anne  may  be  proud  of  her  servant ! 
But  we  neglect  our  affairs. — A  thousand  pardons, 
lovely  mistress  of  la  Cour  des  Fees.  This  meet- 
ing of  two  rude  mariners  does  a  slight  to  your 
beauty,  and  little  credit  to  the  fealty  due  the  sex. 
Having  done  with  all  compliments,  I  have  to  offer 
certain  articles  that  never  failed  to  cause  the 
brightest  eyes  to  grow  more  brilliant,  and  at  which 
duchesses  have  gazed  with  many  longings." 

"You  speak  with  confidence  of  your  associa- 
tions, Master  Seadrift,  and  rate  noble  personages 
among  your  customers  as  familiarly  as  if  you  dealt 
in  offices  of  state." 

"  This  skilful  servitor  of  the  queen  will  tell  you, 
lady,  that  the  wind  which  is  a  gale  on  the  Atlan- 
tic, may  scarce  cool  the  burning  cheek  of  a  girl 
on  the  land,  and  that  the  links  in  life  are  as  cu- 
riously interlocked  as  the  ropes  of  a  ship.  The 
Ephesian  temple  and  the  Indian  wigwam  rested 
on  the  same  earth  !  " 

"  From  which  you  infer  that  rank  does  not 
alter  nature.  We  must  admit,  Captain  Ludlow, 
that  Master  Seadrift  understands  a  woman's  heart, 
when  he  tempts  her  with  stores  of  tissues  gay  as 
these ! " 

Ludlow  had  watched  the  speakers  in  silence. 
The  manner  of  Alida  was  far  less  embarrassed, 
than  when  he  had  before  seen  her  in  the  smug- 
gler's company ;  and  his  blood  fired,  when  he  saw 
that  their  eyes  met  with  a  secret  and  friendly  in- 
telligence. He  had  remained,  however,  with  a 
resolution  to  be  calm,  and  to  know  the  worst. 
Conquering  the  expression  of  his  feelings  by 
a  great  effort,  he  answered  with  an  exterior  of 
composure,  though  not  without  some  of  that  bit- 
terness in  his  emphasis  which  he  felt  at  his 
heart. 

"If  Master  Seadrift  has  this  knowledge,  he 
may  value  himself  on  his  good  fortune,"  was  the 
reply. 

"  Much  intercourse  with  the  sex,  who  are  my 
best  customers,  has  something  helped  me,"  re- 
turned the  cavalier  dealer  in  contraband.  "Here 
is  a  brocade,  whose  fellow  is  worn  openly  in 
the  presence  of  our  royal  mistress,  though  it 
came  from  the  forbidden  looms  of  Italy  ;  and  the 
ladies  of  the  court  return  from  patriotically  dan- 
cing, in  the  fabrics  of  home,  to  please  the  public 
eye,  once  in  the  year,  to  wear  these  more  agree- 
able inventions,  all  the  rest  of  it,  to  please  them- 
selves. Tell  me,  why  does  the  Englishman,  with 
his  pale  sun,  spend  thousands  to  force  a  sickly 
imitation  of  the  gifts  of  the  tropics,  but  because 
he  pines  for  forbidden  fruit  ?  or  why  does  your 


MASTER 

Paris  gourmand  roll  a  fig  on  his  tongue,  that  a 
lazzarone  of  Naples  would  cast  into  his  bay,  but 
because  he  wishes  to  enjoy  the  bounties  of  a  low 
latitude,  under  a  watery  sky  ?  I  have  seen  an  in- 
dividual feast  on  the  eau  sucree  of  a  European 
pine,  that  cost  a  guinea,  while  his  palate  would 
have  refused  the  same  fruit,  with  its  delicious 
compound  of  acid  and  sweet,  mellowed  to  ripe- 
ness under  a  burning  sun,  merely  because  he 
could  have  it  for  nothing.  This  is  the  secret  of 
our  patronage ;  and,  as  the  sex  are  most  liable  to 
its  influence,  we  owe  them  most  gratitude." 

"You  have  travelled,  Master  Seadrift,"  re- 
turned la  Belle,  smiling,  while  she  tossed  the  rich 
contents  of  the  bale  on  the  carpet,  "  and  treat 
of  usages  as  familiarly  as  you  speak  of  dignities." 

"  The  lady  of  the  sea-green  mantle  does  not 
permit  an  idle  servant.  We  follow  the  direction 
of  her  guiding  hand ;  sometimes  it  points  our 
course  among  the  isles  of  the  Adriatic,  and  at 
others  on  your  stormy  American  coasts.  There  is 
little  of  Europe  between  Gibraltar  and  the  Cattegat 
that  I  have  not  visited." 

"  But  Italy  has  been  the  favorite,  if  one  may 
judge  by  the  number  of  her  fabrics  that  you  pro- 
duce." 

"  Italy,  France,  and  Flanders,  divide  my  cus- 
tom ;  though  you  are  right  in  believing  the  for- 
mer most  in  favor.  Many  years  of  early  life  did  I 
pass  on  the  noble  coasts  of  that  romantic  region. 
One  who  protected  and  guided  my  infancy  and 
youth  even  left  me  for  a  time  under  instruction 
on  the  little  plain  of  Sorrento." 

"And  where  can  this  plain  be  found  ?  for  the 
residence  of  so  famous  a  rover  may,  one  day,  be- 
come the  theme  of  song,  and  is  likely  to  occupy 
the  leisure  of  the  curious." 

"  The  grace  of  the  speaker  may  well  excuse 
the  irony !  Sorrento  is  a  town  on  the  southern 
shore  of  the  renowned  Naples  Bay.  Fire  has 
wrought  many  changes  in  that  soft  but  wild  coun- 
try ;  and  if,  as  religionists  believe,  the  fountains 
of  the  great  deep  were  ever  broken  up,  and  the 
earth's  crust  disturbed,  to  permit  its  secret 
springs  to  issue  on  the  surface,  this  may  have 
been  one  of  the  spots  chosen  by  him  whose  touch 
leaves  marks  that  are  indelible,  in  which  to  show 
his  power.  The  bed  of  the  earth  itself,  in  all  that 
region,  appears  to  have  been  but  the  vomitings 
of  volcanoes ;  and  the  Sorrentine  passes  his  peace- 
able life  in  the  bed  of  an  extinguished  crater.  'Tis 
curious  to  see  in  what  manner  the  men  of  the 
middle  ages  have  built  their  town,  on  the  margin 
of  the  sea,  where  the  element  has  swallowed  one- 
half  the  ragged  basin,  and  now  they  have  taken 
the  yawning  crevices  of  the  tufa  for  ditches  to 


SEADRIFT.  115 

protect  their  walls  !  I  have  visited  many  lands, 
and  seen  Nature  in  nearly  every  clime  ;  but  no 
spot  has  yet  presented,  in  a  single  view,  so  pleas- 
ant a  combination  of  natural  objects,  mingled  with 
mighty  recollections,  as  that  lovely  abode  on  the 
Sorrentine  cliffs  ! " 

"  Recount  me  these  pleasures,  that  in  memory 
seem  so  agreeable,  while  I  examine  further  into 
the  contents  of  the  bale." 

The  gay  young  free-trader  paused,  and  seemed 
lost  in  images  of  the  past.  Then,  with  a  melan- 
choly smile,  he  soon  continued  :  "  Though  many 
years  are  gone,"  he  said,  "I  can  recall  the  beau- 
ties of  that  scene  as  vividly  as  if  they  still  stood 
before  the  eye.  Our  abode  was  on  the  verge  of 
the  cliffs.  In  front  lay  the  deep-blue  water,  and 
on  its  farther  shore  was  a  line  of  objects  such  as 
accident  or  design  rarely  assembles  in  one  view. 
Fancy  thyself,  lady,  at  my  side,  and  follow  the 
curvature  of  the  northern  shore,  as  I  trace  the 
outline  of  that  glorious  scene !  That  high,  moun- 
tainous, and  ragged  island  on  the  extreme  left,  is 
modern  Ischia.  Its  origin  is  unknown,  though 
piles  of  lava  lie  along  its  coast,  which  seems  fresh 
as  that  thrown  from  the  mountain  yesterday. 
The  long,  low  bit  of  land,  insulated  like  its  neigh- 
bor, is  called  Procida,  a  scion  of  ancient  Greece. 
Its  people  still  preserve,  in  dress  and  speech, 
marks  of  their  origin.  The  narrow  strait  con- 
ducts you  to  a  high  and  naked  bluff.  That  is 
the  Misenum  of  old.  Here  ^Eneas  came  to  land, 
and  Rome  held  her  fleets,  and  thence  Pliny  took 
the  water,  to  get  a  nearer  view  of  the  labors  of 
the  volcano,  after  its  awakening  from  centuries 
of  sleep.  In  the  hollow  of  the  ridge,  between 
that  naked  bluff  and  the  next  swell  of  the  moun- 
tain, lie  the  fabulous  Styx,  the  Elysian  fields,  and 
the  place  of  the  dead,  as  fixed  by  the  Mantuan. 
More  on  the  height  and  nearer  to  the  sea,  lie,  buried 
in  the  earth,  the  vast  vaults  of  the  Piscina  Mira- 
bilis,  and  the  gloomy  caverns  of  the  Hundred 
Chambers  ;  places  that  equally  denote  the  luxury 
and  the  despotism  of  Rome.  Nearer  to  the  vast 
pile  of  castle,  that  is  visible  so  many  leagues,  is 
the  graceful  and  winding  Baigean  harbor ;  and 
against  the  side  of  its  sheltering  hills  once  lay 
■the  city  of  villas.  To  that  sheltered  hill,  emper- 
ors, consuls,  poets,  and  warriors,  crowded  from 
the  capital,  in  quest  of  repose,  and  to  breathe  the 
pure  air  of  a  spot  in  which  pestilence  has  since 
made  its  abode.  The  earth  is  still  covered  with 
the  remains  of  their  magnificence,  and  ruins  of 
temples  and  baths  are  scattered  freely  among  the 
olives  and  fig-trees  of  the  peasant.  A  fainter 
bluff  limits  the  northeastern  boundary  of  the  little 
bay.    On  it  once  stood  the  dwellings  of  emperors. 


116 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


There  Caesar  sought  retirement,  and  the  warm 
springs  on  its  side  are  yet  called  the  baths  of  the 
bloody  Nero.  That  small,  conical  hill,  ■which,  as 
you  see,  possesses  a  greener  and  fresher  look  than 
the  adjoining  land,  is  a  cone  ejected  by  the  cal- 
dron beneath,  but  two  brief  centuries  since.  It 
occupies,  in  part,  the  site  of  the  ancient  Lucrine 
lake.  All  that  remains  of  that  famous  receptacle 
of  the  epicure  is  the  small  and  shallow  sheet  at  its 
base,  which  is  separated  from  the  sea  by  a  mere 
thread  of  sand.  More  in  the  rear,  and  surrounded 
by  dreary  hills,  lie  the  waters  of  Avernus.  On 
their  banks  still  stand  the  ruins  of  a  temple,  in 
which  rites  were  celebrated  to  the  infernal  deities. 
The  grotto  of  the  Sibyl  pierces  that  ridge  on  the 
left,  and  the  Cumaean  passage  is  nearly  in  its  rear. 
The  town  which  is  seen  a  mile  to  the  right,  is 
Pozzuoli — a  port  of  the  ancients,  and  a  spot  now 
visited  for  its  temples  of  Jupiter  and  Neptune,  its 
mouldering  amphitheatre,  and  its  half-buried 
tombs.  Here  Caligula  attempted  his  ambitious 
bridge,  and,  while  crossing  thence  to  Baiae,  the 
Tile  Nero  had  the  life  of  his  own  mother  assailed. 
It  was  there,  too,  that  holy  Paul  came  to  land, 
when  journeying  a  prisoner  to  Rome.  The  small 
but  high  island,  nearly  in  its  front,  is  Nisida,  the 
place  to  which  Marcus  Brutus  retired  after  the 
deed  at  the  foot  of  Pompey's  statue,  where  he 
possessed  a  villa,  and  whence  he  and  Cassius 
sailed  to  meet  the  shade  and  the  vengeance  of  the 
murdered  Caesar,  at  Philippi.  Then  comes  a 
crowd  of  sites  more  known  in  the  middle  ages ; 
though  just  below  that  mountain,  in  the  back- 
ground, is  the  famous  subterranean  road  of  which 
Strabo  and  Seneca  are  said  to  speak,  and  through 
which  the  peasant  still  daily  drives  his  ass  to  the 
markets  of  the  modern  city.  At  its  entrance  is 
the  reputed  tomb  of  Virgil,  and  then  commences 
an  amphitheatre  of  white  and  terraced  dwellings. 
This  is  noisy  Napoli  itself,  crowned  with  its  rocky 
castle  of  St.  Elmo !  The  vast  plain,  to  the  right, 
is  that  which  held  the  enervating  Capua,  and  so 
many  other  cities  on  its  bosom.  To  this  suc- 
ceeds the  insulated  mountain  of  the  volcano,  with 
its  summit  torn  in  triple  tops.  'Tis  said  that 
villas  and  villages,  towns  and  cities,  lie  buried  be- 
neath the  vineyards  and  palaces  which  crowd  its 
base.  The  ancient  and  unhappy  city  of  Pompeii 
stood  on  that  luckless  plain,  which,  following  the 
shores  of  the  bay,  comes  next ;  and  then  we  take 
up  the  line  of  the  mountain  promontory,  which 
forms  the  Sorrentine  side  of  the  water  !  " 

"  One  who  has  had  such  schooling,  should 
know  better  how  to  turn  it  to  a  good  account," 
said  Ludlow,  sternly,  when  the  excited  smuggler 
ceased  to  speak. 


j  "In  other  lands  men  derive  their  learning 
from  books ;  in  Italy,  children  acquire  knowl- 
edge by  the  study  of  visible  things,"  was  the  un- 
disturbed answer. 

"  Some  from  this  country  are  fond  of  believing 
that  our  own  bay,  these  summer  skies,  and  the 
climate  in  general,  should  have  a  strict  resem- 
blance to  those  of  a  region  which  lies  precisely  in 
our  own  latitude,"  observed  Alida,  so  hastily,  as 
to  betray  a  desire  to  preserve  the  peace  between 
her  guests. 

"  That  your  Manhattan  and  Earitan  waters 
are  broad  and  pleasant,  none  can  deny,  and  that 
lovely  beings  dwell  on  their  banks,  lady,"  returned 
Seadrift,  gallantly  lifting  his  cap,  "  my  own  senses 
have  witnessed.    But  'twere  wiser  to  select  some 
other  point  of  your  excellence,  for  comparison, 
than  a  competition  with  the  glorious  waters,  the 
fantastic  and  mountain  isles,  and  the  sunny  hill- 
sides of  modern  Napoli !    'Tis  certain  the  lati- 
|  tude  is  even  in  your  favor,  and  that  a  beneficent 
|  sun  does  not  fail  of  its  office  in  one  region  more 
than  in  the  other.    But  the  forests  of  America  are 
still  too  pregnant  of  vapors  and  exhalations  not  to 
j  impair  the  purity  of  the  native  air.    If  I  have 
j  seen  much  of  the  Mediterranean,  neither  am  I  a 
stranger  to  these  coasts.    While  there  are  so 
j  many  points  of  resemblance  in  their  climates, 
;  there  are  also  many  and  marked  causes  of  differ- 
ence." 

"  Teach  us,  then,  what  forms  these  distinctions, 
that,  in  speaking  of  our  bay  and  skies,  we  may 
not  be  led  into  error." 

"  You  do  me  honor,  lady;  I  am  of  no  great 
!  schooling,  and  of  humble  powers  of  speech.  Still, 
j  the  little  that  observation  may  have  taught  me, 
shall  not  be  churlishly  withheld.    Your  Italian 
!  atmosphere,  taking  the  humidity  of  the  seas,  is 
I  sometimes  hazy.    Still  water  in  large  bodies,  oth- 
er than  in  the  two  seas,  is  little  known  in  those 
distant  countries.    Few  objects  in  Nature  are 
,  drier  than  an  Italian  river,  during  those  months 
j  when  the  sun  has  most  influence.    The  effect  is 
|  visible  in  the  air,  which  is  in  general  elastic,  dry, 
and  obedient  to  the  general  laws  of  the  climate. 
There  floats  less  exhalation,  in  the  form  of  fine 
and  nearly  invisible  vapor,  than  in  these  wooded 
regions.  At  least,  so  he  of  whom  I  spoke,  as  one 
who  guided  my  youth,  was  wont  to  say." 

"You  hesitate  to  tell  us  of  our  skies,  our 
evening  light,  and  of  our  bay  ?  " 

"  It  shall  be  said,  and  said  sincerely — of  the 
bays,  each  seems  to  have  been  appropriated  to 
that  for  which  Nature  most  intended  it — the  one 
is  poetic,  indolent,  and  full  of  graceful  and  glori- 
ous beauty  ;  more  pregnant  of  enjoyment  than  of 


AN  INTERRUPTION. 


117 


usefulness.  The  other  will,  one  day,  be  the  mart 
of  the  world!" 

"  You  still  shrink  from  pronouncing  on  their 
beauty,"  said  Alida,  disappointed  in  spite  of  an 
affected  indifference  to  the  subject. 

"  It  is  ever  the  common  fault  of  old  communi- 
ties to  overvalue  themselves,  and  to  undervalue 
new  actors  in  the  great  drama  of  nations,  as  men 
long  successful  disregard  the  effort  of  new  aspi- 
rants for  favor,"  said  Seadrift,  while  he  looked 
with  amazement  at  the  pettish  eye  of  the  frown- 
ing beauty.  "  In  this  instance,  however,  Europe 
has  not  so  greatly  erred.  They  who  see  much 
resemblance  between  the  bay  of  Naples  and  this 
of  Manhattan,  have  fertile  brains ;  since  it  rests 
altogether  on  the  circumstance  that  there  is  much 
water  in  both,  and  a  passage  between  an  island 
and  the  main-land,  in  one,  to  resemble  a  passage 
between^  two  islands  in  the  other.  This  is  an 
estuary,  that  a  gulf;  and  while  the  former  has  the 
green  and  turbid  water  of  a  shelving  shore  and 
of  tributary  rivers,  the  latter  has  the  blue  and 
limpid  element  of  the  deep  sea.  In  these  distinc- 
tions, I  take  no  account  of  ragged  and  rocky 
mountains,  with  the  indescribable  play  of  golden 
and  rosy  light  upon  their  broken  surfaces,  nor  of 
a  coast  that  teems  with  the  recollections  of  three 
thousand  years !  " 

"I  fear  to  question  more.  But  surely  our 
skies  may  be  mentioned,  even  by  the  side  of  those 
you  vaunt  ?  " 

"Of  the  skies  truly,  you  have  more  reason  to 
be  confident.  I  remember  that,  standing  on  the 
Capo  di  Monte,  which  overlooks  the  little,  pictu- 
resque, and  crowded  beach  of  the  Marina  Grande, 
and  Sorrento,  a  spot  that  teems  with  all  that  is 
poetic  in  the  fisherman's  life,  he  of  whom  I  have 
spoken  once  pointed  to  the  transparent  vault 
above  and  said,  '  There  is  the  moon  of  America ! ' 
The  colors  of  the  rocket  were  not  more  vivid 
than  the  stars  that  night,  for  a  Tramontana  had 
swept  every  impurity  from  the  air,'far  upon  the 
neighboring  sea.  But  nights  like  that  are  rare, 
indeed,  in  any  clime!  The  inhabitants  of  low 
latitudes  enjoy  them  occasionally  ;  those  of  high- 
er, never." 

"  Then  our  flattering  belief,  that  these  west- 
ern sunsets  rival  those  of  Italy,  is  delusion  ?  " 

"  Not  so,  lady.  They  rival  without  resem- 
bling. The  color  of  the  etui,  on  which  so  fair  a 
hand  is  resting,  is  not  softer  than  the  hues  one 
sees  in  the  heavens  of  Italy.  But  if  your  evening 
sky  wants  the  pearly  light,  the  rosy  clouds,  and 
the  soft  tints  which,  at  that  hour,  melt  into  each 
other,  across  the  entire  vault  of  Napoli,  it  far 
excels  in  the  vividness  of  the  glow,  in  the  depth 


of  the  transitions,  and  in  the  richness  of  colors. 
Those  are  only  more  delicate,  while  these  are 
more  gorgeous  !  When  there  shall  be  less  exha- 
lation from  your  forests,  the  same  causes  may 
produce  the  some  effects.  Until  then  America 
must  be  content  to  pride  herself  on  an  exhibition 
of  Nature's  beauty  in  a  new,  though  scarcely  in  a 
less  pleasing,  form." 

"  Then  they  who  come  among  us  from  Europe 
are  but  half  right  when  they  deride  the  preten- 
sions of  our  bay  and  heavens?  " 

"  Which  is  much  nearer  the  truth  than  they 
are  wont  to  be,  on  the  subject  of  this  continent. 
Speak  of  the  many  rivers,  the  double  outlets,  the 
numberless  basins,  and  the  unequalled  facilities 
of  your  Manhattan  harbor  ;  for  in  time  they  will 
come  to  render  all  the  beauties  of  the  unrivalled 
bay  of  Naples  vain:  but  tempt  not  the  stran- 
ger to  push  the  comparison  beyond.  Be  grate- 
ful for  your  skies,  lady,  for  few  live  under  fairer 
or  more  beneficent.  But  I  tire  you  with  these 
opinions,  when  here  are  colors  that  have  more 
charms  for  a  young  and  lively  imagination  than 
even  the  tints  of  Nature  !  " 

La  belle  Barberie  smiled  on  the  dealer  in  con- 
traband with  an  interest  that  sickened  Ludlow  ; 
and  she  was  about  to  reply,  in  better  humor, 
when  the  voice  of  her  uncle  announced  his  near 
approach. 


CHAPTER  XXIY. 

"There  shall  be,  in  England,  seven  half-penny  loaves 
sold  for  a  penny.  The  three-hooped  pot  shall  have  ten 
hoops ;  and  I  will  make  it  felony  to  drink  small  beer." 

Jack  Cade. 

Had  Alderman  Yan  Beverout  been  a  party  in 
the  preceding  dialogue,  he  could  not  have  uttered 
words  more  apposite  than  the  exclamation  with 
which  he  first  saluted  the  ears  of  those  in  the 
pavilion. 

"  Gales  and  climates  !  "  exclaimed  the  mer- 
chant, entering  with  an  open  letter  in  his  hand. 
"  Here  are  advices  received,  by  way  of  Curacoa 
and  the  coast  of  Africa,  that  the  good  ship  Musk- 
rat  met  with  foul  winds  off  the  Azores,  which 
lengthened  her  passage  home  to  seventeen  weeks 
— this  is  too  much  precious  time  wasted  between 
markets,  Captain  Cornelius  Ludlow,  and  'twill  do 
discredit  to  the  good  character  of  the  ship,  which 
has  hitherto  always  maintained  a  sound  reputation, 
never  needing  more  than  the  regular  seven  months 
to  make  the  voyage  home  and  out  again.  If  our 
vessels  fall  into  this  lazy  train,  we  shall  never  get 
a  skin  to  Bristol  till  it  is  past  use. — What  have 


118 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


we  here,  niece  ?  Merchandise !  and  of  a  suspicious 
fabric  ! — who  has  the  invoice  of  these  goods,  and 
in  what  vessel  were  they  shipped  ?  " 

"  These  are  questions  that  may  be  better  an- 
swered by  their  owner,"  returned  la  Belle,  point- 
ing gravely,  and  not  without  tremor  in  her  voice, 
toward  the  dealer  in  contraband,  who,  at  the  ap- 
proach of  the  alderman,  had  shrunk  back  as  far 
as  possible  from  view. 

Myndert  cast  an  uneasy  glance  at  the  un- 
moved countenance  of  the  commander  of  the  roy- 
al cruiser,  after  having  bestowed  a  brief  but  un- 
derstanding look  at  the  contents  of  the  bale. 
"  Captain  Ludlow,  the  chaser  is  chased  !  "  he  said. 
"After  sailing  about  the  Atlantic, for  a  week  or 
more,  like  a  Jew  broker's  clerk  running  up  and 
down  the  Boom  Key  at  Rotterdam,  to  get .  off  a 
consignment  of  damaged  tea,  we  are  fairly  caught 
ourselves  !  To  what  fall  in  prices,  or  change  in 
the  sentiments  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  am  I  in- 
debted for  the  honor  of  this  visit,  Master  a — a — 
a — gay  dealer  in  green  ladies  and  bright  tis- 
sues ?  " 

The  confident  and  gallant  manner  of  the  free- 
trader had  vanished.  In  its  place  there  appeared 
a  hesitating  and  embarrassed  air  that  the  indi- 
vidual was  not  wont  to  exhibit,  blended  with 
some  apparent  indecision,  on  the  subject  of  his 
reply. 

"  It  is  the  business  of  those  who  hazard  much, 
in  order  to  minister  to  the  wants  of  life,"  he  said, 
after  a  pause  that  was  sufficiently  expressive  of 
the  entire  change  in  his  demeanor,  "to  seek  cus- 
tomers where  there  is  a  reputation  for  liberality. 
I  hope  my  boldness  will  be  overlooked,  on  ac- 
count of  its  motive,  and  that  you  will  aid  the 
lady  in  judging  of  the  value  of  my  articles,  and 
of  their  reasonableness  as  to  price,  with  your 
own  superior  experience." 

Myndert  was  quite  as  much  astonished  by  this 
language,  and  the  subdued  manner  of  the  smug- 
gler, as  Ludlow  himself.  When  he  expected  the 
heaviest  demand  on  his  address,  in  order  to  check 
the  usual  forward  and  reckless  familiarity  of 
Seadrift,  in  order  that  his  connection  with  the 
"  Skimmer  of  the  Seas  "  might  be  as  much  as  pos- 
sible involved  in  ambiguity,  to  his  own  amaze- 
ment he  found  his  purpose  more  than  aided  by 
the  sudden  and  extraordinary  respect  with  which 
he  was  treated.  Emboldened,  and  perhaps  a  lit- 
tle elevated  in  his  own  esteem,  by  this  unex- 
pected deference,  which  the  worthy  alderman, 
shrewd  as  he  was  in  common,  did  not  fail,  like 
other  men,  to  impute  to  some  inherent  quality  of 
his  own,  he  answered  with  a  greater  depth  of 
voice,  and  a  more  protecting  air,  than  he  might 


otherwise  have  deemed  it  prudent  to  assume  to 
one  Avho  had  so  frequently  given  him  proofs  of 
his  own  fearless  manner  of  viewing  things. 

"  This  is  being  more  eager  as  a  trader  than 
prudent  as  one  who  should  know  the  value  of 
credit,"  he  said,  making,  at  the  same  time,  a  lofty 
gesture  to  betoken  indulgence  for  so  venial  an 
error.  "  We  must  overlook  the  mistake,  Captain 
Ludlow,  since,  as  the  young  man  truly  observes  in 
his  defence,  gain  acquired  in  honest  traffic  is  a 
commendable  and  wholesome  pursuit.  One  who 
appears  as  if  he  might  not  be  ignorant  of  the  laws, 
should  know  that  our  virtuous  queen  and  her 
wise  counsellors  have  decided  that  Mother  Eng- 
land can  produce  most  that  a  colonist  can  con- 
sume !  Ay !  and  that  she  can  consume,  too, 
most  that  the  colonist  can  produce  !  " 

"I  pretend  not  to  this  ignorance,  sir;  but,  in 
pursuing  my  humble  barter,  I  merely  follow  a 
principle  of  Nature,  by  endeavoring  to  provide 
for  my  own  interests.  We  of  the  contraband  do 
but  play  at  hazard  with  the  authorities.  When 
we  pass  the  gantlet  unharmed,  we  gain ;  and, 
wThen  we  lose,  the  servants  of  the  crown  find  their 
profit.  The  stakes  are  equal,  and  the  game  should 
not  be  stigmatized  as  unfair.  Would  the  rubers 
of  the  world  once  remove  the  unnecessary  shac- 
kles they  impose  on  commerce,  our  calling  would 
disappear,  and  the  name  of  free-trader  would 
then  belong  to  the  richest  and  most  esteemed 
houses." 

The  alderman  drew  a  long,  low  whistle.  Mo- 
tioning to  his  companions  to  be  seated,  he  placed 
his  own  compact  person  in  a  chair,  crossed  his 
legs  with  an  air  of  self-complacency,  and  resumed 
the  discourse. 

"  These  are  very  pretty  sentiments,  Master — 
a — a — a — you  bear  a  worthy  name  no  doubt,  my 
ingenious  commentator  on  commerce  ?  " 

"  They  call  me  Seadrift,  when  they  spare  a 
harsher  term,"  returned  the  other,  meekly  de- 
clining to  be  seated. 

"  These  are  pretty  sentiments,  Master  Sea- 
drift, and  they  much  become  a  gentleman  who 
lives  by  practical  comments  on*  the  revenue-laws. 
— This  is  a  wise  world,  Captain  Cornelius  Ludlow, 
and  in  it  there  are  many  men  whose  heads  are 
filled,  like  bales  of  goods,  with  a  general  assort- 
ment of  ideas.  Hornbooks  and  primers  !  Here 
have  Yan  Bummel,  Schoenbroeck,  and  Van  der 
Donck,  just  sent  me  a  very  neatly-folded  pam- 
phlet, written  in  good  Leyden  Dutch,  to  prove  that 
trade  is  an  exchange  of  what  the  author  calls 
equivalents,  and  that  nations  have  nothing  to  do 
but  throw  open  their  ports,  in  order  to  make  a 
millennium  among  the  merchants  !  " 


A  DISSERTATION 

"  There  are  many  ingenious  men  who  enter- 
tain the  same  opinions,"  observed  Ludlow,  steady 
in  his  resolution  to  be  merely  a  quiet  observer  of 
all  that  passed. 

"  We  cannot  a  cunning  head  devise,  to  spoil 
the  paper  with !  Trade  is  a  racer,  gentlemen, 
and  merchants  the  jockeys  who  ride.  He  who 
carries  most  weight  may  lose ;  but  then  nature 
does  not  give  all  men  the  same  dimensions,  and 
judges  are  as  necessary  to  the  struggles  of  the 
mart  as  to  those  of  the  course.  Go,  mount  your 
gelding,  if  you  are  lucky  enough  to  have  one  that 
has  not  been  melted  into  a  weasel  by  the  heart- 
less blacks,  and  ride  out  to  Harlaem  Flats,  on  a 
fine  October  day,  and  witness  the  manner  in 
which  the  trial  of  speed  is  made.  The  rogues  of 
riders  cut  in  here,  and  over  there ;  now  the  whip 
and  now  the  spur ;  and,  though  they  start  fair, 
which  is  more  than  can  always  be  said  of  trade, 
some  one  is  sure  to  win.  When  it  is  neck  and 
neck,  then  the  heat  is  to  be  gone  over,  until  the 
best  bottom  gains  the  prize." 

"  Why  is  it,  then,  that  men  of  deep  reflection 
so  often  think  that  commerce  flourishes  most 
when  least  encumbered  ?  " 

"  Why  is  one  man  born  to  make  laws,  and 
another  to  break  them  ? — Does  not  the  horse  run 
faster  with  his  four  legs  free,  than  when  in  hop- 
ples ?  But  in  trade,  Master  Seadrift,  and  Captain 
Cornelius  Ludlow,  each  of  us  is  his  own  jockey ; 
and,  putting  the  aid  of  custom-house  laws  out  of 
the  question,  just  as  Nature  has  happened  to  make 
him.  Fat  or  lean,  big  bones  or  fine  bones,  he 
must  get  to  the  goal  as  well  as  he  can.  There- 
fore your  heavy  weights  call  out  for  sand-bags 
and  belts,  to  make  all  even.  That  the  steed  may 
be  crushed  with  his  load,  is  no  proof  that  his 
chance  of  winning  will  not  be  better  by  bringing 
all  the  riders  to  the  same  level." 

"  But  to  quit  these  similes,"  continued  Lud- 
low, "  if  trade  be  but  an  exchange  of  equiva- 
lents—" 

"  Beggary  and  stoppages  !-"  interrupted  the 
alderman,  who  was  far  more  dogmatical  than 
courteous  in  argument.  "  This  is  the  language  of 
men  who  have  read  all  sorts  of  books  but  ledgers. 
Here  have  I  advices  from  Tongue  and  Twaddle, 
of  London,  which  state  the  net  proceeds  of  a 
little  adventure,  shipped  by  the  brig  Moose,  that 
reached  the  river  on  the  16th  of  April,  ultimo. 
The  history  of  the  whole  transaction  can  be  put 
in  a  child's  muff— you  are  a  discreet  youth,  Cap- 
tain Cornelius ;  and  as  to  you,  Master  Seadrift, 
the  affair  is  altogether  out  of  your  line — there- 
fore, as  I  was  observing,  here  are  the  items,  made 
only  a  fortnight  since,  in  the  shape  of  a  mem- 


ON  SMUGGLING.  119 

orandum ; "  while  speaking,  the  alderman  had 
placed  his  spectacles  and  drawn  his  tablets  from 
a  pocket.  Adjusting  himself  to  the  light,  he 
continued:  "Paid  bill  of  Sand,  Furnace,  and 
Glass,  for  beads,  L.  3.  2.  6. — Package  and  box, 
1.  10£. — Shipping  charges,  and  freight,  11.  4. — 
Insurance,  averaged  at,  1.  5. — Freight,  charges, 
and  commission  of  agent  among  Mohawks,  L.  10. 
— Do.  do.  do.  of  shipment  and  sale  of  furs,  in 
England,  L.  V.  2.  Total  of  costs  and  charges,  L. 
20.  1 9.  1£,  all  in  sterling  money.  Note,  sale  of 
furs,  to  Frost  and  Rich,  net  avails,  L.  196.  11.  8. 
— Balance,  as  per  contra,  L.  1Y5.  12  5£. — Avery 
satisfactory  equivalent  this,  Master  Cornelius,  to 
appear  on  the  books  of  Tongue  and  Twaddle, 
where  I  stand  charged  with  the  original  invest- 
ment of  L.  20.  19.  1\  !  How  much  the  empress 
of  Germany  may  pay  the  firm  of  Frost  and  Rich 
for  the  articles,  does  not  appear." 

"  Nor  does  it  appear  that  more  was  got  for 
your  beads,  in  the  Mohawk  country,  than  they 
were  valued  at  there,  or  was  paid  for  the  skins 
than  they  were  worth  where  they  were  produced." 

"  Whe — w — w — w  ! "  whistled  the  merchant, 
as  he  returned  the  tablets  to  his  pocket. 

"  One  would  think  that  thou  hadst  been  study- 
ing the  Leyden  pamphleteer,  son  of  my  old  friend  ! 
If  the  savage  thinks  so  little  of  his  skins,  and  so 
much  of  my  beads,  I  shall  never  take  the  pains  to 
set  him  right ;  else,  always  by  permission  of  the 
Board  of  Trade,  we  shall  see  him,  one  day,  turn- 
ing his  bark  canoe  into  a  good  ship,  and  going  in 
quest  of  his  own  ornaments.  Enterprise  and  voy- 
ages !  Who  knows  but  that  the  rogue  would  see 
fit  to  stop  at  London,  even ;  in  which  case  the 
mother-country  might  lose  the  profit  of  the  sale 
at  Vienna,  and  the  Mohawk  set  up  his  carriage, 
on  the  difference  in  the  value  of  markets  !  Thus, 
you  see,  in  order  to  run  a  fair  race,  the  horses 
must  start  even,  carry  equal  weights,  and,  after 
all,  one  commonly  wins.  Your  metaphysics  are 
no  better  than  so  much  philosophical  gold  leaf, 
which  a  cunning  reasoner  beats  out  into  a  sheet 
as  large  as  the  broadest  American  lake,  to  make 
dunces  believe  the  earth  can  be  transmuted  into 
the  precious  material ;  while  a  plain  practical 
man  puts  the  value  of  the  metal  into  his  pocket 
in  good  current  coin." 

"And  yet  I  hear  you  complain  that  Parlia- 
ment has  legislated  more  than  is  good  for  trade, 
and  speak  in  a  manner  of  the  proceedings  at 
home,  that,  you  will  excuse  me  for  saying,  would 
better  become  a  Hollander  than  a  subject  of  the 
crown." 

"  Have  I  not  told  you,  that  the  horse  will  run 
faster  without  the  rider  than  with  a  pack-saddle 


120 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


on  his  back  ?  Give  your  own  jockey  as  little, 
and  your  adversary's  as  much  weight  as  you  cau, 
if  you  wish  to  win.  I  complain  of  the  borough- 
men,  because  they  make  laws  for  us,  and  not  for 
themselves.  As  I  often  tell  my  worthy  friend, 
Alderman  Gulp,  eating  is  good  for  life,  but  the 
surfeit  makes  a  will  necessary." 

"  From  all  which  I  infer,  that  the  opinions  of 
your  Leyden  correspondent  are  not  those  of  Mr. 
Yan  B  ever  out." 

The  alderman  laid  a  finger  on  his  nose,  and 
looked  at  his  companions,  for  a  moment,  without 
answering. 

"  Those  Leydeners  are  a  sagacious  breed !  If 
the  United  Provinces  had  but  ground  to  stand 
on,  they  would,  like  the  philosopher  who  boasted 
of  his  lever,  move  the  world !  The  sly  rogues 
think  that  the  Amsterdammers  have  naturally  an 
easy  seat,  and  they  wish  to  persuade  all  others 
to  ride  bare-back.  I  shall  send  a  pamphlet  up 
into  the  Indian  country,  and  pay  some  scholar  to 
have.it  translated  into  the  Mohawk  tongue,  in  or- 
der that  the  famous  chief  Schendoh,  when  the 
missionaries  shall  have  taught  him  to  read,  may 
entertain  right  views  of  equivalents  !  I  am  not 
certain  that  I  may  not  make  the  worthy  divines  a 
present  to  help  the  good  fruits  to  ripen." 

The  alderman  leered  round  upon  his  auditors, 
and,  folding  his  hands  meekly  on  his  breast,  he 
appeared  to  leave  his  eloquence  to  work  its  own 
effects. 

"  These  opinions  favor  but  little  the  occupa- 
tion of  the — the  gentleman  —  who  now  honors 
us  with  his  company,"  said  Ludlow,  regarding 
the  gay-looking  smuggler  with  an  eye  that  showed 
how  much  he  was  embarrassed  to  find  a  suitable 
appellation  for  one  whose  appearance  was  so 
much  at  variance  with  his  pursuits.  "  If  restric- 
tions are  necessary  to  commerce,  the  lawless 
trader  is  surely  left  without  an  excuse  for  his  call- 
ing." 

"  I  as  much  admire  yoar  discretion  in  practice 
as  the  justice  of  your  sentiments  in  theory,  Cap- 
tain Ludlow,"  returned  the  alderman.  "  In  a 
rencontre  on  the  high  seas,  it  would  be  your  du- 
ty to  render  captive  the  brigantine  of  this  person ; 
but,  in  what  may  be  called  the  privacy  of  domes- 
tic retirement,  you  are  content  to  ease  your  mind 
in  moralities  !  I  feel  it  my  duty,  too,  to  speak 
on  this  point,  and  shall  take  so  favorable  an  oc- 
casion, when  all  is  pacific,  to  disburden  myself  of 
some  sentiments  that  suggest  themselves  very 
naturally  under  the  circumstances."  Myndert 
then  turned  himself  toward  the  dealer  in  contra- 
band, and  continued,  much  in  the  manner  of  a 
city  magistrate  reading  a  lesson  of  propriety  to 


some  disturber  of  the  peace  of  society.  "You 
appear  here,  Master  Seadrift,"  he  said,  "  under 
what,  to  borrow  a  figure  from  your  profession, 
may  be  called  false  colors.  You  bear  the  coun- 
tenance of  one  who  might  be  a  useful  subject,  and 
yet  are  you  suspected  of  being  addicted  to  cer- 
tain practices  which — I  will  not  say  they  are  dis- 
honest or  even  discreditable — for  on  that  head 
the  opinions  of  men  are  much  divided,  but  which 
certainly  have  no  tendency  to  assist  her  majesty  in 
bringing  her  wars  to  a  glorious  issue,  by  securing 
to  her  European  dominions  that  monopoly  of  trade 
by  which  it  is  her  greatest  desire  to  ease  us  of 
the  colonies  of  looking  any  further  after  our  par- 
ticular interests,  than  beyond  the  doors  of  her 
own  custom-houses.  This  is  an  indiscretion,  to 
give  the  act  its  gentlest  appellation  ;  and  I  regret 
to  add,  it  is  accompanied  by  certain  circumstances 
which  rather  heighten  than  lessen  the  delinquen- 
cy." The  alderman  paused  a  moment  to  observe 
the  effect  of  his  admonition,  and  to  judge,  by  the 
eye  of  the  free-trader,  how  much  further  he  might 
push  his  artifice  ;  but  perceiving,  to  his  own 
surprise,  that  the  other  bent  his  face  to  the  floor, 
and  stood  like  one  rebuked,  he  took  courage  to 
proceed.  "  You  have  introduced  into  this  por- 
tion of  my  dwelling,  which  is  exclusively  inhabit- 
ed by  my  niece,  who  is  neither  of  a  sex  nor  of 
years  to  be  legally  arraigned  for  any  oversight 
of  this  nature,  sundries  of  which  it  is  the  pleas- 
ure of  the  queen's  advisers  that  her  subjects  in 
the  colonies  should  not  know  the  use,  since,  in 
the  nature  of  fabrications,  they  cannot  be  sub- 
mitted to  the  supervising  care  of  the  ingenious 
artisans  of  the  mother  island.  Woman,  Master 
Seadrift,  is  a  creature  liable  to  the  influence  of 
temptation,  and  in  few  things  is  she  weaker  than 
in  her  efforts  to  resist  the  allurements  of  articles 
which  may  aid  in  adorning  her  person.  My  niece, 
the  daughter  of  Etienne  Barberie,  may  also  have 
an  hereditary  weakness  on  this  head,  since  the 
females  of  France  study  these  inventions  more 
than  those  of  some  other  countries.  It  is  not 
my  intention,  however,  to  manifest  any  unreason- 
able severity  ;  since,  if  old  Etienne  has  communi- 
cated any  hereditary  feebleness  on  the  subject  of 
fancy,  he  has  also  left  his  daughter  the  means 
of  paying  for  it.  Hand  in  your  account,  there- 
fore, and  the  debt  shall  be  discharged,  if  debt 
has  been  incurred.  And  this  brings  me  to  the 
last  and  the  gravest  of  your  offences. 

"  Capital  is  no  doubt  the  foundation  on  which 
a  merchant  builds  his  edifice  of  character,"  con- 
tinued Myndert,  after  taking  another  jealous  sur- 
vey of  the  countenance  of  him  he  addressed  ;  "but 
credit  is  the  ornament  of  its  front.    This  is -a 


AN  APPOSITE  PARALLEL. 


121 


corner-stone ;  that  the  pilasters  and  carvings  by 
which  the  building  is  rendered  pleasant ;  some- 
times, when  age  has  undermined  the  basement, 
it  is  the  columns  on  which  the  superstructure 
rests,  or  even  the  roof  by  which  the  occupant  is 
sheltered.  It  renders  the  rich  man  safe,  the 
dealer  of  moderate  means  active  and  respectable, 
and  it  causes  even  the  poor  man  to  hold  up  his 
head  in  hope ;  though  I  admit  that  buyer  and 
seller  need  both  be  wary,  when  it  stands  unsup- 
ported by  any  substantial  base.  This  being  the 
value  of  credit,  Master  Seadrift,  none  should  as- 
sail it  without  sufficient  cause,  for  its  quality  is 
of  a  nature  too  tender  for  rude  treatment.  I 
learned,  when  a  youth,  in  my  travels  in  Holland, 
through  which  country,  by  means  of  the  treck- 
schuyts,  I  passed  with  sufficient  deliberation  to 
profit  by  what  was  seen,  the  importance  of  avoid- 
ing, on  all  occasions,  bringing  credit  into  disre- 
pute. As  one  event  that  occurred  offers  an  appo- 
site parallel  to  what  I  have  now  to  advance,  I 
shall  make  a  tender  of  the  facts  in  the  way  of 
illustration.  The  circumstances  show  the  awful 
uncertainty  of  things  in  this  transitory  life,  Cap- 
tain Ludlow,  and  forewarn  the  most  vigorous  and 
youthful,  that  the  strong  arm  may  be  cut  down, 
in  his  pride,  like  the  tender  plant  of  the  fields  ! 
The  banking-house  of  Yan  Gelt  and  Yan  Stopper, 
in  Amsterdam,  had  dealt  largely  in  the  securities 
issued  by  the  emperor  for  the  support  of  his  wars. 
It  happened,  at  the  time,  that  fortune  had  favored 
the  Ottoman,  who  was  then  pressing  the  city  of 
Belgrade  with  some  prospects  of  success.  Well, 
sirs,  a  head-strong  and  ill-advised  laundress  had 
taken  possession  of  an  elevated  terrace  in  the 
centre  of  the  town,  in  order  to  dry  her  clothes. 
This  woman  was  in  the  act  of  commencing  the 
distribution  of  her  linens  and  muslins,  with  the 
break  of  day,  when  the  Mussulmans  awoke  the 
garrison  by  a  rude  assault.  Some,  who  had  been 
posted  in  a  position  that  permitted  of  retreat, 
having  seen  certain  bundles  of  crimson,  and  green, 
and  yellow,  on  an  elevated  parapet,  mistook  them 
for  the  heads  of  so  many  Turks  ;  and  they  spread 
the  report,  far  and  near,  that  a  countless  band 
of  infidels,  led  on  by  a  vast  number  of  sherriffes 
in  green  turbans,  had  gained  the  heart  of  the 
place,  before  they  were  induced  to  retire.  The 
rumor  soon  took  the  shape  of  a  circumstantial 
detail,  and,  having  reached  Amsterdam,  it  caused 
the  funds  of  the  imperialists  to  look  down. 
There  was  much  question,  on  the  exchange,  con- 
cerning the  probable  loss  of  Yan  Gelt  and  Yan 
Stopper  in  consequence.  Just  as  speculation 
was  at  its  greatest  height  on  this  head,  the  mon- 
key of  a  Savoyard  escaped  from  its  string,  and 


concealed  itself  in  a  nut-shop,  a  few  doors  dis- 
tant from  the  banking-house  of  the  firm,  where  a 
crowd  of  Jew  boys  collected  to  witness  its  antics. 
Men  of  reflection,  seeing  what  they  mistook  for  a 
demonstration  on  the  part  of  the  children  of  the 
Israelites,  began  to  feel  uneasiness  for  their  own 
property.  Drafts  multiplied ;  and  the  worthy 
bankers,  in  order  to  prove  their  solidity,  disdained 
to  shut  their  doors  at  the  usual  hour.  Money 
was  paid  throughout  the  night ;  and  before  noon 
on  the  following  day  Yan  Gelt  had  cut  his  throat, 
in  a  summer-house  that  stood  on  the  banks  of 
the  Utrecht  canal ;  and  Yan  Stopper  was  seen 
smoking  a  pipe,  among  strong  boxes  that  were 
entirely  empty.  At  two  o'clock,  the  post  brought 
the  intelligence  that  the  Mussulmans  were  re- 
pulsed, and  that  the  laundress  was  hanged ;  though 
I  never  knew  exactly  for  what  crime,  as  she  cer- 
tainly was  not  a  debtor  of  the  unhappy  firm. 
These  are  some  of  the  warning  events  of  life, 
gentlemen ;  and,  as  I  feel  sure  of  addressing  those 
who  are  capable  of  making  the  application,  I 
shall  now  conclude  by  advising  all  who  hear  me 
to  great  discretion  of  speech  on  every  matter  con- 
nected with  commercial  character." 

When  Myndert  ceased  speaking,  he  threw 
another  glance  around  him,  in  order  to  note  the 
effect  his  words  had  produced,  and  more  particu- 
larly to  ascertain  whether  he  had  not  drawn  a 
draft  on  the  forbearance  of  the  free-trader,  which 
might  still  meet  with  a  protest.  He  was  at  a  loss 
to  account  for  the  marked  and  unusual  deference 
with  which  he  was  treated,  by  one  who,  while  he 
was  never  coarse,  seldom  exhibited  much  com- 
plaisance for  the  opinions  of  a  man  he  was  in  the 
habit  of  meeting  so  familiarly,  on  matters  of 
pecuniary  interest.  During  the  whole  of  the 
foregoing  harangue,  the  young  mariner  of  the 
brigantine  had  maintained  the  same  attitude  of 
modest  attention ;  and  when  his  eyes  were  per- 
mitted to  rise,  it  was  only  to  steal  uneasy  looks 
at  the  face  of  Alida.  La  belle  Barberie  had  also 
listened  to  her  uncle's  eloquence  with  a  more 
thoughtful  air  than  common.  She  met  the  occa- 
sional glances  of  the  dealer  in  contraband,  with 
answering  sympathy ;  and,  in  short,  the  most  in- 
different observer  of  their  deportment  might  have 
seen  that  circumstances  had  created  between  them 
a  confidence  and  intelligence  which,  if  it  were  not 
absolutely  of  the  most  tender,  was  unequivocally 
of  the  most  intimate,  character.  All  this  Ludlow 
plainly  saw,  though  the  burgher  had  been  too 
much  engrossed  with  the  ideas  he  had  so  com- 
placently dealt  out  to  note  the  fact. 

"  Now  that  my  mind  is  so  well  stored  with 
maxims  on  commerce,  which  I  shall  esteem  as  so 


122 


THE  .WATER-WITCH. 


many  commentaries  on  the  instructions  of  my 
Lords  of  the  Admiralty,"  observed  the  captain, 
after  a  brief  interval  of  silence,  "  it  may  be  per- 
mitted to  turn  our  attention  to  things  less  meta- 
physical. The  present  occasion  is  favorable  to  in- 
quire after  the  fate  of  the  shipmate  we  lost  in  the 
last  cruise  ;  and  it  ought  not  to  be  neglected." 

"You  speak  truth,  Mr.  Cornelius — the  Pa- 
troon  of  Kinderhook  is  not  a  man  to  fall  into  the 
sea,  like  an  anker  of  forbidden  liquor,  and  no 
questions  asked.  Leave  this  matter  to  my  dis- 
cretion, sir ;  and,  trust  me,  the  tenants  of  the 
third  best  estate  in  the  colony  shall  not  long  be 
without  tidings  of  their  landlord.  If  you  will 
accompany  Master  Seadrift  into  the  other  part  of 
the  villa  for  a  reasonable  time,  I  shall  possess 
myself  of  all  the  facts  that  are  at  all  pertinent  to 
the  right  understanding  of  the  case." 

The  commander  of  the  royal  cruiser,  and  the 
young  mariner  of  the  brigantine,  appeared  to 
think  that  a  compliance  with  this  invitation 
would  bring  about  a  singular  association.  The 
hesitation  of  the  latter,  however,  was  far  the  most 
visible,  since  Ludlow  had  coolly  determined  to 
maintain  his  neutral  character,  until  a  proper  mo- 
ment to  act,  as  a  faithful  servitor  of  his  royal  mis- 
tress, should  arrive.  He  knew,  or  firmly  believed, 
that  the  Water- Witch  again  lay  in  the  cove,  con- 
cealed by  the  shadows  of  the  surrounding  wood  ; 
and,  as  he  had  once  before  suffered  by  the  superior 
address  of  the  smugglers,  he  was  now  resolved 
to  act  with  so  much  caution  as  to  enable  him  to 
return  to  his  ship  in  time  to  proceed  against  her 
with  decision,  and,  as  he  hoped,  with  effect.  In 
addition  to  this  motive  for  artifice,  there  was  that 
in  the  manner  and  language  of  the  contraband 
dealer  to  place  him  altogether  above  the  ordinary 
men  of  his  pursuit,  and  indeed  to  create  in  his 
favor  a  certain  degree  of  interest,  which  the  offi- 
cer of  the  crown  was  compelled  to  admit.  He 
therefore  bowed  with  sufficient  courtesy,  and  pro- 
fessed his  readiness  to  follow  the  suggestions  of 
the  alderman. 

"  We  have  met  on  neutral  ground,  Master 
Seadrift,"  said  Ludlow  to  his  gay  companion,  as 
they  quitted  the  saloon  of  la  Cour  des  Fees  ;  "  and, 
though  bent  on  different  objects,  we  may  dis- 
course amicably  on  the  past.  The  '  Skimmer  of 
the  Seas '  has  a  reputation  in  his  way,  that  almost 
raises  him  to  the  level  of  a  seaman  distinguished 
in  a  better  service.  I  will  ever  testify  to  his 
skill  and  coolness  as  a  mariner,  however  much  I 
may  lament  that  those  fine  qualities  have  received 
so  unhappy  a  direction." 

"This is  speaking  with  a  becoming  reserva- 
tion for  the  rights  of  the  crown,  and  with  meet 


respect  for  the  Barons  of  the  Exchequer,"  retorted 
Seadrift,  whose  former,  and  we  may  say  natural, 
spirit  seemed  to  return,  as  he  left  the  presence 
of  the  burgher.  "  We  follow  the  pursuit,  Cap- 
tain Ludlow,  in  which  accident  has  cast  our  for- 
tunes. You  serve  a  queen  you  never  saw,  and  a 
nation  who  will  use  you  in  her  need,  and  despise 
you  in  her  prosperity  ;  and  I  serve  myself.  Let 
reason  decide  between  us." 

"  I  admire  this  frankness,  sir,  and  have  hopes 
of  a  better  understanding  between  us,  now  that 
you  have  done  with  the  mystifications  of  your 
sea-green  woman.  The  farce  has  been  well  en- 
acted ;  though,  with  the  exception  of  Oloff  Van 
Staats  and  those  enlightened  spirits  you  lead 
about  the  ocean,  it  has  not  made  many  converts 
to  necromancy." 

The  free-trader  permitted  his  handsome  mouth 
to  relax  in  a  smile. 

"We  have  our  mistress,  too,"  he  said;  "but 
she  exacts  no  tribute.  All  that  is  gained  goes  to 
enrich  her  subjects,  while  all  that  she  knows  is 
cheerfully  imparted  for  their  use.  If  we  are  obe- 
dient, it  is  because  we  have  experienced  her  jus- 
tice and  wisdom.  I  hope  Queen  Anne  deals  as 
kindly  by  those  who  risk  life  and  limb  in  her 
cause  ?  " 

"  Is  it  part  of  the  policy  of  her  you  follow,  to 
reveal  the  fate  of  the  Patroon  ;  for  though  rivals 
in  one  dear  object — or  rather  I  should  say,  once 
rivals  in  that  object — I  cannot  see  a  guest  quit  my 
ship  with  so  little  ceremony,  without  an  interest 
in  his  welfare." 

"You  make  a  just  distinction,"  returned  Sea- 
drift, smiling  still  more  meaningly — "  once  rivals 
is  indeed  the  better  expression.  Mr.  Van  Staats 
is  a  brave  man,  however  ignorant  he  may  be  of 
the  seaman's  art.  One  who  has  shown  so  much 
spirit  will  be  certain  of  protection  from  personal 
injury,  in  the  care  of  the  '  Skimmer  of  the 
Seas.' " 

"I  do  not  constitute  myself  the  keeper  of  Mr. 
Yan  Staats  ;  still,  as  the  commander  of  the  ship 
whence  he  has  been — what  shall  I  term  the  man- 
ner of  his  abduction  ? — for  I  would  not  willingly 
use,  at  this  moment,  a  term  that  may  prove  dis- 
agreeable— " 

"  Speak  freely,  sir,  and  fear  not  to  offend. 
We  of  the  brigantine  are  accustomed  to  divers 
epithets  that  might  startle  less  practised  ears. 
We  are  not  to  learn,  at  this  late  hour,  that  in  or- 
der to  become  respectable,  roguery  must  have  the 
sanction  of  government.  You  were  pleased,  Cap- 
tain Ludlow,  to  name  the  mystifications  of  the 
Water- Witch  ;  but  you  seem  indifferent  to  those 
that  are  hourly  practised  near  you  in  the  world, 


CAPTAIN  LUDLOW'S  WARNING. 


123 


and  which,  without  the  pleasantry  of  this  of  ours, 
have  not  half  its  innocence." 

"  There  is  little  novelty  in  the  expedient  of 
seeking  to  justify  the  delinquency  of  individuals 
by  the  failings  of  society." 

"I  confess  it  is  rather  just  than  original. 
Triteness  and  truth  appear  to  be  sisters !  And 
yet  do  we  find  ourselves  driven  to  this  apology, 
since  the  refinement  of  us  of  the  brigantine  has 
not  yet  attained  to  the  point  of  understanding  all 
the  excellence  of  novelty  in  morals." 

"  I  believe  there  is  a  mandate  of  sufficient  an- 
tiquity, which  bids  us  to  render  unto  Caesar  the 
things  which  are  Caesar's." 

"  A  mandate  which  our  modern  Ca3sars  have 
most  liberally  construed  !  I  am  a  poor  casuist, 
sir ;  nor  do  I  think  the  loyal  commander  of  the 
Coquette  would  wish  to  uphold  all  that  sophistry 
can  invent  on  such  a  subject.  If  we  begin  with 
potentates,  for  instance,  we  shall  find  the  Most 
Christian  King  bent  on  appropriating  as  many  of 
of  his  neighbors'  goods  to  his  own  use  as  ambi- 
tion, under  the  name  of  glory,  can  covet;  the 
Most  Catholic,  covering  with  the  mantle  of  his 
Catholicity  a  greater  multitude  of  enormities,  on 
this  very  continent,  than  even  charity  itself  could 
conceal ;  and  our  own  gracious  sovereign,  whose 
virtues  and  whose  mildness  are  celebrated  in 
verse  and  prose,  causing  rivers  of  blood  to  run, 
in  order  that  the  little  island  over  which  she  rules 
may  swell  out,  like  the  frog  in  the  fable,  to  di- 
mensions that  Nature  has  denied,  and  which  will 
one  day  inflict  the  unfortunate  death  that  befell 
the  ambitious  inhabitants  of  the  pool.  The  gal- 
lows awaits  the  pickpocket ;  but  your  robber  un- 
der a  pennant  is  dubbed  a  knight !  The  man  who 
amasses  wealth  by  gainful  industry  is  ashamed  of 
his  origin  ;  while  he  who  has  stolen  from  churches, 
laid  villages  under  contribution,  and  cut  throats 
by  thousands,  to  divide  the  spoils  of  a  galleon  or 
a  military  chest,  has  gained  gold  on  the  highway 
of  glory  !  Europe  has  reached  an  exceeding  pass 
of  civilization,  it  may  not  be  denied  ;  but,  before 
society  inflicts  so  severe  censure  on  the  acts  of 
individuals,  notwithstanding  the  triteness  of  the 
opinion,  I  must  say  it  is  bound  to  look  more  close- 
ly to  the  example  it  sets,  in  its  collective  charac- 
ter." 

"  These  are  points  on  which  our  difference  of 
opinion  is  likely  to  be  lasting,"  said  Ludlow,  as- 
suming the  severe  air  of  one  who  had  the  world 
on  his  side.  "  We  will  defer  the  discussion  to  a 
moment  of  greater  leisure,  sir.  Am  I  to  learn 
more  of  Mr.  Yan  Staats,  or  is  the  question  of  his 
fate  to  become  the  subject  of  a  serious  official  in- 
quiry ?  " 


"  The  Patroon  of  Kinderhook  is  a  bold  board- 
er !  "  returned  the  free-trader,  laughing.  "  He 
has  carried  the  residence  of  the  lady  of  the  brig- 
antine by  a  coup-de-main  ;  and  he  reposes  on  his 
laurels  !  We  of  the  contraband  are  merrier  in 
our  privacy  than  is  thought,  and  those  who  join 
our  mess  seldom  wish  to  quit  it." 

"  There  may  be  occasion  to  look  further  into 
its  mysteries — until  when,  I  wish  you  adieu." 

"  Hold  "  gayly  cried  the  other,  observing 
that  Ludlow  was  about  to  quit  the  room — "  Let 
the  time  of  our  uncertainty  be  short,  I  pray  thee. 
Our  mistress  is  like  the  insect  which  takes  the 
color  of  the  leaf  on  which  it  dwells.  You  have 
seen  her  in  her  sea-green  robe,  which  she  never 
fails  to  wear  when  roving  over  the  soundings  of 
your  American  coast ;  but,  in  the  deep  waters, 
her  mantle  vies  with  the  blue  of  the  ocean's 
depths.  Symptoms  of  a  change,  which  always 
denote  an  intended  excursion  far  beyond  the  in- 
fluence of  the  land,  have  been  seen  !  " 

"  Harkee,  Master  Seadrift !  This  foolery  may 
do,  while  you  possess  the  power  to  maintain  it. 
But  remember  that,  though  the  law  only  punishes 
the  illegal  trader  by  confiscation  of  his  goods 
when  taken,  it  punishes  the  kidnapper  with  per- 
sonal pains,  and  sometimes  with — death  !  And 
more — remember  that  the  line  which  divides 
smuggling  from  piracy  is  easily  passed,  while  the 
return  becomes  impossible." 

"  For  this  generous  counsel,  in  my  mistress's 
name,  I  thank  thee,"  the  gay  mariner  replied, 
bowing  with  a  gravity  that  rather  heightened  than 
concealed  his  irony.  "  Your  Coquette  is  broad 
in  the  reach  of  her  booms,  and  swift  on  the 
water,  Captain  Ludlow ;  but  let  her  be  capricious, 
wilful,  deceitful,  nay  powerful,  as  she  may,  she 
shall  find  a  woman  in  the  brigantine  equal  to  all 
her  arts,  and  far  superior  to  all  her  threats  !  " 

With  this  prophetic  warning  cn  the  part  of 
the  queen's  officer,  and  cool  reply  on  that  of  the 
dealer  in  contraband,  the  two  sailors  separated. 
The  latter  took  a  book  and  threw  himself  into  a 
chair,  with  a  well-maintained  indifference  ;  while 
the  other  left  the  house,  in  a  haste  that  was  not 
disguised. 

In  the  mean  time,  the  interview  between  Alder- 
man Yan  Beverout  and  his  niece  still  continued. 
Minute  passed  after  minute,  yet  there  was  no 
summons  to  the  pavilion.  The  gay  young  sea- 
man of  the  brigantine  had  continued  his  studies 
for  some  time  after  the  disappearance  of  Ludlow, 
and  he  now  evidently  awaited  an  intimation  that 
his  presence  was  required  in  la  Cour  des  Fees. 
During  these  moments  of  anxiety,  the  air  of  the 
free-trader  was  sorrowful  rather  than  impa- 


124 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


tient ;  and,  when  a  footstep  was  heard  at  the  door 
of  the  room,  he  betrayed  symptoms  of  strong 
and  uncontrollable  agitation.  It  was  the  female 
attendant  of  Alida  who  entered,  presented  a 
slip  of  paper,  and  retired.  The  eager  expect- 
ant read  the  following  words,  hastily  written  in 
pencil : 

"  I  have  evaded  all  his  questions,  and  he  is 
more  than  half  disposed  to  believe  in  necroman- 
cy. This  is  not  the  moment  to  confess  the  truth, 
for  he  is  not  in  a  condition  to  hear  it,  being  al- 
ready much  disturbed  by  the  uncertainty  of  what 
may  follow  the  appearance  of  the  brigantine  on 
the  coast,  and  so  near  his  own  villa.  But,  be  as- 
sured, he  shall  and  will  acknowledge  claims  that 
I  know  how  to  support,  and  which,  should  I  fail 
of  establishing,  he  would  not  dare  to  refuse  to 
the  redoubtable  '  Skimmer  of  the  Seas.'  Come 
hither,  the  moment  you  hear  his  foot  in  the  pas- 
sage." 

The  last  injunction  was  soon  obeyed.  The 
alderman  entered  by  one  door,  as  the  active  fugi- 
tive retreated  by  another  ;  and  where  the  weary 
burgher  expected  to  see  his  guests,  he  found  an 
empty  apartment.  This  last  circumstance,  how- 
ever, gave  Myndert  Van  Beverout  but  little  sur- 
prise and  no  concern,  as  would  appear  by  the  in- 
aifference  with  which  he  noted  the  circumstance. 

"  Vagaries  and  womanhood !  "  thought,  rather 
than  muttered,  the  alderman.  "  The  jade  turns 
like  a  fox  in  his  tracks,  and  it  would  be  easier  to 
convict  a  merchant  who  values  his  reputation,  of 
a  false  invoice,  than  this  minx  of  nineteen  of  an 
indiscretion !  There  is  so  much  of  old  Etienne 
and  his  Norman  blood  in  her  eye,  that  one  does 
not  like  to  provoke  extremities ;  but  here,  when 
I  expected  Van  Staats  had  profited  by  Ms  oppor- 
tunity, the  girl  looks  like  a  nun  at  the  mention 
of  his  name.  The  patroon  is  no  Cupid,  we  must 
allow ;  or,  in  a  week  at  sea,  he  would  have  won 
the  heart  of  a  mermaid !  —  Ay — and  here  are 
more  perplexities,  by  the  return  of  the  Skimmer 
and  his  brig,  and  the  notions  that  young  Ludlow 
has  of  his  duty.  Life  and  morality  !  One  must 
quit  trade  at  some  time  or  other,  and  begin  to 
close  the  books.  I  must  seriously  think  of  strik- 
ing a  final  balance.  If  the  sum-total  was  a  little 
more  in  my  favor,  it  should  be  done  to-morrow  ! " 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

"  Thou,  Julia,  thou  hast  metamorphosed  me ; 
Made  me  neglect  my  studies,  lose  my  time, 
"War  with  good  counsel,  set  the  world  at  naught.1' 
Two  Gentlemen  of  Vekona. 

Ludlow  quitted  the  Lust  in  Rust  with  a  waver- 
ing purpose.  Throughout  the  whole  of  the  pre- 
ceding interview,  he  had  jealously  watched  the 
eye  and  features  of  la  belle  Barberie;  and  he  had 
not  failed  to  draw  his  conclusions  from  the  mien 
that  too  plainly  expressed  a  deep  interest  in  the 
free-trader.  For  a  time,  only,  had  he  been  in- 
duced, by  the  calmness  and  self-possession  with 
which  she  received  her  uncle  and  himself,  to  be- 
lieve that  she  had  not  visited  the  Water-Witch  at 
all;  but  when  the  gay  and  reckless  being  who 
governed  the  movements  of  that  extraordinary 
vessel  appeared,  he  could  no  longer  flatter  himself 
with  this  hope.  He  now  believed  that  her  choice 
for  life  had  been  made ;  and,  while  he  deplored 
the  infatuation  which  could  induce  so  gifted  a 
woman  to  forget  her  station  and  character,  he 
was  himself  too  frank  not  to  see  that  the  individ- 
ual who  had  in  so  short  a  time  gained  this  ascen- 
dency over  the  feelings  of  Alida,  was  in  many  re- 
spects fitted  to  exercise  a  powerful  influence  over 
the  imagination  of  a  youthful  and  secluded  female. 

There  was  a  struggle  in  the  mind  of  the  young 
commander,  between  his  duty  and  his  feelings. 
Remembering  the  artifice  by  which  he  had  former- 
ly fallen  into  the  power  of  the  smugglers,  he  had 
taken  his  precautions  so  well  in  the  present  visit 
to  the  villa,  that  he  firmly  believed  he  had  the 
person  of  his  lawless  rival  at  his  mercy.  To  avail 
himself  of  this  advantage,  or  to  retire  and  leave  him 
in  possession  of  his  mistress  and  his  liberty,  was 
the  point  mooted  in  his  thoughts.  Though  direct 
and  simple  in  his  habits,  like  most  of  the  seamen 
of  that  age,  Ludlow  had  all  the  loftier  sentiments 
that  become  a  gentleman.  He  felt  keenly  for 
Alida,  and  he  shrank,  with  sensitive  pride,  from 
incurring  the  imputation  of  having  acted  under 
the  impulses  of  disappointment.  To  these  mo- 
tives of  forbearance,  was  also  to  be  added  the  in- 
herent reluctance  which,  as  an  officer  of  rank,  he 
felt  to  the  degradation  of  being  employed  in  a 
duty  that  more  properly  belongs  to  men  of  less 
elevated  ambition.  He  looked  on  himself  as  a  de- 
fender of  the  rights  and  glory  of  his  sovereign, 
and  not  as  a  mercenary  instrument  of  those  who 
collected  her  customs  ;  and  though  he  would  not 
have  hesitated  to  incur  any  rational  hazard,  in  cap- 
turing the  vessel  of  the  smuggler,  or  in  making 
captives  of  all  or  any  of  her  crew  on  their  proper 
element,  he  disliked  the  appearance  of  seeking  a 


AN  UNOBSERVED  WITNESS. 


125 


solitary  individual  on  the  land.  In  addition  to 
this  feeling,  there  was  his  own  pledge  that  he  met 
the  proscribed  dealer  in  contraband  on  neutral 
ground.  Still  the  officer  of  the  queen  had  his  or- 
ders, and  he  could  not  shut  his  eyes  to  the  gen- 
eral obligations  of  duty.  The  brigantine  was 
known  to  inflict  so  much  loss  on  the  revenue  of 
the  crown,  more  particularly  in  the  other  hemi- 
sphere, that  an  especial  order  had  been  issued  by 
the  admiral  of  the  station  for  her  capture.  Here, 
then,  was  an  opportunity  of  depriving  the  vessel 
of  that  master-spirit  which,  notwithstanding  the 
excellence  of  its  construction,  had  alone  so  long 
enabled  it  to  run  the  gantlet  of  a  hundred  cruisers 
with  impunity.  Agitated  by  these  contending 
feelings  and  reflections,  the  young  sailor  left  the 
door  of  the  villa,  and  came  upon  its  little  lawn,  in 
order  to  reflect  with  less  interruption,  and,  in- 
deed, to  breathe  more  freely. 

The  night  had  advanced  into  the  first  watch 
of  the  seaman.  The  shadow  of  the  mountain, 
however,  still  covered  the  grounds  of  the  villa, 
the  river,  and  the  shores  of  the  Atlantic,  with  a 
darkness  that  was  deeper  than  the  obscurity  which 
dimmed  the  surface  of  the  rolling  ocean  beyond. 
Objects  were  so  indistinct  as  to  require  close 
and  steady  looks  to  ascertain  their  character, 
while  the  setting  of  the  scene  might  be  faintly 
traced  by  its  hazy  and  indistinct  outlines.  The 
curtains  of  la  Cour  des  Fees  had  been  drawn,  and, 
though  the  lights  were  still  shining  within,  the 
eye  could  not  penetrate  the  pavilion.  Ludlow 
gazed  about  him,  and  held  his  way  reluctantly 
toward  the  water. 

In  endeavoring  to  conceal  the  interior  of 
her  apartment  from  the  eyes  of  those  without, 
Alida  had  suffered  a  corner  of  the  drapery  to  re- 
main open.  When  Ludlow  reached  the  gate  that 
led  to  the  landing,  he  turned  to  take  a  last  look 
at  the  villa ;  and,  favored  by  his  new  position,  he 
caught  a  glimpse,  through  the  opening,  of  the 
person  of  her  who  was  still  uppermost  in  his 
thoughts. 

La  belle  Barberie  was  seated  at  the  little  table 
by  whose  side  she  had  been  found  earlier  in  the 
evening.  An  elbow  rested  on  the  precious  wood, 
and  one  fair  hand  supported  a  brow  that  was 
thoughtful  beyond  the  usual  character  of  its  ex- 
pression, if  not  melancholy.  The  commander  of 
the  Coquette  felt  the  blood  rushing  to  his  heart, 
for  he  fancied  that  the  beautiful  and  pensive 
countenance  was  that  of  a  penitent. '  It  is  prob- 
able that  the  idea  quickened  his  drooping  hopes ; 
for  Ludlow  believed  it  might  not  yet  be  too  late 
to  rescue  the  woman  he  so  sincerely  loved,  from 
the  precipice  over  which  she  was  suspended. 


The  seemingly  irretrievable-  step  already  taken 
was  forgotten ;  and  the  generous  young  sailor 
was  about  to  rush  back  to  la  Cour  des  Fees,  to 
implore  its  mistress  to  be  just  to  herself,  when 
the  hand  fell  from  her  polished  brow,  and  Alida 
raised  her  face,  with  a  look  which  denoted  that 
she  was  no  longer  alone.  The  captain  drew  back 
to  watch  the  issue. 

When  Alida  lifted  her  eyes,  it  was  in  kind- 
ness, and  with  that  frank  ingenuousness  with 
which  an  unperverted  female  greets  the  counte- 
nance of  those  who  have  her  confidence.  She 
smiled,  though  still  in  sadness  rather  than  in 
pleasure  ;  and  she  spoke,  but  the  distance  prevent- 
ed her  words  from  being  audible.  At  the  next 
instant  Seadrift  moved  into  the  space  visible 
through  the  half-drawn  drapery,  and  took  her 
hand.  Alida  made  no  effort  to  withdraw  ;  but, 
on  the  contrary,  she  looked  up  into  his  face  with 
still  less  equivocal  interest,  and  appeared  to  listen 
to  his  voice  with  an  absorbed  attention.  The 
gate  swung  violently  open,  and  Ludlow  had 
reached  the  margin  of  the  river  before  he  again 
paused. 

The  barge  of  the  Coquette  was  found  where 
her  commander  had  ordered  bis  people  to  lie  con- 
cealed, and  he  was  about  to  enter  it,  when  the 
noise  of  the  little  gate,  again  shutting  with  the 
wind,  induced  him  to  cast  a  look  behind.  A  hu- 
man form  was  distinctly  to  be  seen,  against  the 
light  walls  of  the  villa,  descending  toward  the 
river.  The  men  were  commanded  to  keep  close, 
and,  withdrawing  within  the  shadow  of  a  fence, 
the  captain  waited  the  approach  of  the  new  comer. 

As  the  unknown  person  passed,  Ludlow  recog- 
nized the  agile  form  of  the  free-trader.  The  lat- 
ter advanced  to  the  margin  of  the  river,  and 
gazed  warily  about  him  for  several  minutes.  A 
low  but  distinct  note,  on  a  common  ship's  call, 
was  then  heard.  The  summons  was  soon  suc- 
ceeded by  the  appearance  of  a  small  skiff,  which 
glided  out  of  the  grass  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
stream,  and  approached  the  spot  where  Seadrift 
awaited  its  arrival.  The  free-trader  sprang  light- 
ly into  the  little  boat,  which  immediately  began  to 
glide  out  of  the  river.  As  the  skiff  passed  the 
spot  where  he  stood,  Ludlow  saw  that  it  was 
pulled  by  a  single  seaman ;  and,  as  his  own  boat 
was  manned  by  six  lusty  rowers,  he  felt  that  the 
person  of  the  man  whom  he  so  much  envied  was 
at  length  fairly  and  honorably  in  his  power.  We 
shall  not  attempt  to  analyze  the  emotion  that  was 
ascendant  in  the  mind  of  the  young  officer.  It  is 
enough  for  our  purpose  to  add,  that  he  was  soon 
in  his  boat  and  in  full  pursuit. 

As  the  course  to  be  taken  by  the  barge  was 


126 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


diagonal  rather  than  direct,  a  few  powerful  strokes 
of  the  oars  brought  it  so  near  the  skiff,  that  Lud- 
low, by  placing  his  hand  on  the  gunwale  of  the  lat- 
ter, could  arrest  its  progress. 

"  Though  so  lightly'  equipped,  fortune  favors 
you  less  in  boats  than  in  larger  craft,  Master  Sea- 
drift,"  said  Ludlow,  when,  by  virtue  of  a  strong 
arm,  he  had  drawn  his  prize  so  near  as  to  find 
himself  seated  within  a  few  feet  of  his  prisoner. 
"  We  meet  on  our  proper  element,  where  there 
can  be  no  neutrality  between  one  of  the  contra- 
band and  a  servant  of  the  queen." 

The  start,  the  half-repressed  exclamation,  and 
the  momentary  silence,  showed  that  the  captive 
had  been  taken  completely  by  surprise. 

"I  admit  your  superior  dexterity,"  he  at 
length  said,  speaking  low  and  not  without  agita- 
tion. "  I  am  your  prisoner,  Captain  Ludlow  ;  and 
I  would  now  wish  to  know  your  intentions  in  dis- 
posing of  my  person  ?  " 

"  That  is  soon  answered.  You  must  be  con- 
tent to  take  the  homely  accommodations  of  the 
Coquette  for  the  night,  instead  of  the  more  luxu- 
rious cabin  of  your  Water- Witch.  What  the  au- 
thorities of  the  province  may  decide  to-morrow, 
it  exceeds  the  knowledge  of  a  poor  commander  in 
the  navy  to  say." 

"  The  Lord  Cornbury  has  retired  to —  ?  " 

"  A  jail,"  said  Ludlow,  observing  that  the 
other  spoke  more  like  one  who  mused  than  like 
one  who  asked  a  question.  "  The  kinsman  of 
our  gracious  queen  speculates  on  the  chances  of 
human  fortune,  within  the  walls  of  a  prison.  His 
successor,  the  brigadier  Hunter,  is  thought  to 
have  less  sympathy  for  the  moral  infirmities  of 
human  nature  ! " 

"  We  deal  lightly  with  dignities  ! "  exclaimed 
the  captive,  with  all  his  former  gayety  of  tone  and 
manner.  "  You  have  your  revenge  for  some  per- 
sonal liberties  that  were  certainly  taken,  not  a 
fortnight  since,  with  this  boat  and  her  crew  ;  still, 
I  much  mistake  your  character  if  unnecessary 
severity  forms  one  of  its  features.  May  I  com- 
municate with  the  brigantine  ?  " 

"  Freely — when  she  is  once  in  the  care  of  a 
queen's  officer." 

"  Oh,  sir,  you  disparage  the  qualities  of  my 
mistress,  in  supposing  there  exists  a  parallel  with 
your  own  !  The  Water- Witch  will  go  at  large  till 
a  far  different  personage  shall  become  your  cap- 
tive.— May  I  communicate  with  the  shore  ?  " 

"  To  that  there  exists  no  objection — if  you  will 
point  out  the  means." 

"  I  have  one,  here,  who  will  prove  a  faithful 
messenger." 

"  Too  faithful  to  the  delusion  which  governs 


all  your  followers  !  Your  man  must  be  your  com- 
panion in  the  Coquette,  Master  Seadrift,  though," 
and  Ludlow  spoke  in  melancholy,  "  if  there  be 
any  on  the  land  who  take  so  near  an  interest  in 
your  welfare  as  to  find  more  sorrow  in  uncertain- 
ty than  in  the  truth,  one  of  my  own  crew,  in  any 
of  whom  confidence  may  be  placed,  shall  do  your 
errand." 

"  Let  it  be  so,"  returned  the  free-trader,  as  if 
satisfied  that  he  could,  in  reason,  expect  no  more. 
"  Take  this  ring  to  the  lady  of  yonder  dwelling," 
he  continued,  when  Ludlow  had  selected  the  mes- 
senger, "  and  say  that  he  who  sends  it  is  about  to 
visit  the  cruiser  of  Queen  Anne  in  company  with 
her  commander.  Should  there  be  question  of  the 
motive,  you  can  speak  to  the  manner  of  my  ar- 
rest." 

"  And  mark  me,  fellow — "  added  the  captain ; 
"that  duty  done,  look  to  the  idlers  on  the  shore, 
and  see  that  no  boat  quits  the  river,  to  apprise 
the  smugglers  of  their  loss." 

The  man,  who  was  armed  in  the  fashion  of  a 
seaman  on  boat  duty,  received  these  orders  with 
the  customary  deference ;  and,  the  barge  having 
drawn  to  the  shore  for  that  purpose,  he  landed. 

"  And  now,  Master  Seadrift,  having  thus  far 
complied  with  your  wishes,  I  may  expect  you  will 
not  be  deaf  to  mine.  Here  is  a  seat  at  your  ser- 
vice in  my  barge,  and  I  confess  it  will  please  me 
to  see  it  occupied." 

As  the  captain  spoke,  he  reached  forth  an 
arm,  partly  in  natural  complaisance,  and  partly 
with  a  carelessness  that  denoted  some  conscious- 
ness of  the  difference  in  their  rank,  both  to  aid 
the  other  to  comply  with  his  request,  and,  at 
need,  to  enforce  it.  But  the  free-trader  seemed 
to  repel  the  familiarity  ;  for  he  drew  back,  at 
first,  like  one  who  shrank  sensitively  from  the  con- 
tact, and  then,  without  touchingthe  arm  that  was 
extended  with  a  purpose  so  equivocal,  he  passed 
lightly  from  the  skiff  into  the  barge,  declining 
assistance.  The  movement  was  scarcely  made, 
before  Ludlow  quitted  the  latter,  and  occupied 
the  place  which  Seadrift  had  just  vacated.  He 
commanded  one  of  his  men  to  exchange  with  the 
seaman  of  the  brigantine  ;  and,  having  made  these 
preparations,  he  again  addressed  his  prisoner. 

"  I  commit  you  to  the  care  of  my  cockswain 
and  these  worthy  tars,  Master  Seadrift.  We 
shall  steer  different  ways.  You  will  take  pos- 
session of  my  cabin,  where  all  will  be  at  your 
disposal ;  ere  the  middle  watch  is  called,  I  shall 
be  there  to  prevent  the  pennant  from  coming 
down,  and  your  sea-green  flag  turning  the  peo- 
ple's heads  from  their  allegiance." 

Ludlow  then  whispered  his  orders  to  his  cock- 


I 


The  Water-Witch,  p.  127. 


A  SECRET  CRUISE. 


127 


swain,  and  they  separated.  The  barge  proceeded 
to  the  mouth  of  the  river,  with  the  long  and 
stately  sweep  of  the  oars  that  marks  the  progress 
of  a  man-of-war's  boat ;  while  the  skiff  followed 
noiselessly,  and,  aided  by  its  color  and  dimensions, 
nearly  invisible. 

When  the  two  boats  entered  the  waters  of 
the  bay,  the  barge  held  on  its  course  toward  the 
distant  ship ;  while  the  skiff  inclined  to  the  right, 
and  steered  directly  for  the  bottom  of  the  cove. 
The  precaution  of  the  dealer  in  contraband  had 
provided  his  little  boat  with  muffled  sculls;  and 
Ludlow,  when  he  was  enabled  to  discover  the 
fine  tracery  of  the  lofty  and  light  spars  of  the 
Water-Witch,  as  they  rose  above  the  tops  of  the 
dwarf  trees  that  line  the  shore,  had  no  reason  to 
think  his  approach  was  known.  Once  assured 
of  the  presence  and  position  of  the  brigantine,  he 
was  enabled  to  make  his  advances  with  all  the 
caution  that  might  be  necessary. 

Some  ten  or  fifteen  minutes  were  required  to 
bring  the  skiff  beneath  the  bowsprit  of  the  beau- 
tiful craft,  without  giving  the  alarm  to  those  who 
doubtless  were  watching  on  her  decks.  The  suc- 
cess of  our  adventurer,  however,  appeared  to  be 
complete ;  for  he  was  soon  holding  by  the  cable, 
and  not  the  smallest  sound  of  any  kind  had  been 
heard  in  the  brigantine.  Ludlow  now  regretted 
he  had  not  entered  the  cove  with  his  barge  ;  foi*, 
so  profound  and  unsuspecting  was  the  quiet  of 
the  vessel,  that  he  doubted  not  his  ability  to  have 
carried  her  by  a  coup-de-main.  Vexed  by  his 
oversight,  and  excited  by  the  prospects  of  success, 
he  began  to  devise  those  expedients  which  would 
naturally  suggest  themselves  to  a  seaman  in  his 
situation. 

The  wind  was  southerly,  and,  though  not 
strong,  it  was  charged  with  the  dampness  and 
heaviness  of  the  night  air.  As  the  brigantine 
lay  protected  from  the  influence  of  the  tides,  she 
obeyed  the  currents  of  the  other  element;  and, 
while  her  bows  looked  outward,  her  stern  pointed 
toward  the  bottom  of  the  basin.  The  distance 
from  the  land  was  not  fifty  fathoms,  and  Ludlow 
did  not  fail  to  perceive  that  the  vessel  rode  by  a 
kedge,  and  that  her  anchors,  of  which  there  was  a 
good  provision,  were  all  snugly  stowed.  These 
facts  induced  the  hope  that  he  might  separate  the 
hawser  that  alone  held  the  brigantine,  which,  in 
the  event  of  his  succeeding,  he  had  every  reason 
to  believe  would  drift  ashore,  before  the  alarm 
could  be  given  to  her  crew,  sail  set,  or  an  anchor 
let  go.  Although  neither  he  nor  his  companion 
possessed  any  other  implement  to  effect  this  ob- 
ject than  the  large  seaman's  knife  of  the  latter, 
the  temptation  was  too  great  not  to  make  the 


trial.  The  project  was  flattering  ;  for,  though  the 
vessel  in  that  situation  would  receive  no  serious 
injury,  the  unavoidable  delay  of  heaving  her  off 
the  sands  would  enable  his  boats,  and  perhaps 
the  ship  herself,  to  reach  the  place  in  time  to 
secure  their  prize.  The  bargeman  was  asked  for 
his  knife,  and  Ludlow  himself  made  the  first  cut 
upon  the  solid  and  difficult  mass.  The  steel  had 
no  sooner  touched  the  compact  yarns,  than  a  daz- 
zling glare  of  light  shot  into  the  face  of  him  who 
held  it.  Recovering  from  the  shock  and  rubbing 
his  eyes,  our  startled  adventurer  gazed  upward, 
with  that  consciousness  of  wrong  which  assails 
us  when  detected  in  any  covert  act,  however  laud- 
able may  be  its  motive ;  a  sort  of  homage  that 
Nature,  under  every  circumstance,  pays  to  loyal 
dealings. 

Though  Ludlow  felt,  at  the  instant  of  this  in- 
terruption, that  he  stood  in  jeopardy  of  his  life, 
the  concern  it  awakened  was  momentarily  lost  in 
the  spectacle  before  him.  The  bronzed  and  un- 
earthly features  of  the  image  were  brightly  illumi- 
nated ;  and,  while  her  eyes  looked  on  him  steadily, 
as  if  watching  his  smallest  movement,  her  malign 
and  speaking  smile  appeared  to  turn  his  futile 
effort  into  scorn  !  There  was  no  need  to  bid  the 
seaman  at  the  oars  do  his  duty.  No  sooner  did 
he  catch  the  expression  of  that  mysterious  face, 
than  the  skiff  whirled  away  from  the  spot,  like  a 
seafowl  taking  wing  under  alarm.  Though  Lud- 
low at  each  moment  expected  a  shot,  even  the 
imminence  of  the  danger  did  not  prevent  him 
from  gazing,  in  absorbed  attention,  at  the  image. 
The  light  by  which  it  was  illumined,  though  con- 
densed, powerful,  and  steadily  cast,  wavered  a 
little,  and  exhibited  her  attire.  Then  the  captain 
saw  the  truth  of  what  Seadrift  had  asserted  ;  for 
by  some  process  of  the  machine  into  which  he 
had  not  leisure  to  inquire,  the  sea-green  mantle 
had  been  changed  for  a  slighter  robe  of  the  azure 
of  the  deep  waters.  As  if  satisfied  with  having 
betrayed  the  intention  of  the  sorceress  to  depart, 
the  light  immediately  vanished. 

"  This  mummery  is  well  maintained,"  muttered 
Ludlow,  when  the  skiff  had  reached  a  distance 
that  assured  him  of  safety.  "  Here  is  a  symptom 
that  the  rover  means  soon  to  quit  the  coast.  The 
change  of  dress  is  some  signal  to  his  superstitious 
and  deluded  crew.  It  is  my  task  to  disappoint 
his  mistress,  as  he  terms  her,  though  it  must  be 
confessed  that  she  does  not  sleep  at  her  post." 

During  the  ten  succeeding  minutes,  our  foiled 
adventurer  had  leisure,  no  less  than  motive,  to 
feel  how  necessary  is  success  to  any  project  whose 
means  admit  of  dispute.  Had  the  hawser  been 
cut  and  the  brigantine  stranded,  it  is  probable 


128 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


that  the  undertaking  of  the  captain  would  have 
been  accounted  among  those  happy  expedients 
which,  in  all  pursuits,  are  thought  to  distinguish 
the  mental  efforts  of  men  particularly  gifted  by 
Nature ;  while,  under  the  actual  circumstances, 
he  who  would  have  reaped  all  the  credit  of  so 
felicitous  an  idea,  was  mentally  chafing  with  the 
apprehension  that  his  unlucky  design  might  be- 
come known.  His  companion  was  no  other  than 
Robert  Yarn,  the  foretop-man,  who,  on  a  former 
occasion,  had  been  heard  to  affirm  that  he  had 
already  enjoyed  so  singular  a  view  of  the  lady  of 
the  brigantine,  while  assisting  to  furl  the  foretop- 
sail  of  the  Coquette. 

"  This  has  been  a  false  board,  Master  Tarn," 
observed  the  captain,  when  the  skiff  was  past  the 
entrance  of  the  cove,  and  some  distance  down  the 
bay;  "for  the  credit  of  our  cruise,  we  will  not 
enter  the  occurrence  in  the  log.  You  understand 
me,  sir ;  I  trust  a  word  is  sufficient  for  so  shrewd 
a  wit  ? " 

"  I  hope  I  know  my  duty,  your  honor,  which 
is  to  obey  orders,  though  it  may  break  owners," 
returned  the  topman.  "  Cutting  a  hawser  with  a 
knife  is  but  slow  work  in  the  best  of  times  ;  but 
though  one  who  has  little  right  to  speak  in  the 
presence  of  a  gentleman  so  well  taught,  it  is  my 
opinion  that  the  steel  is  not  yet  sharpened  which 
is  to  part  any  rope  aboard  yon  rover,  without  the 
consent  of  the  black-looking  woman  under  her 
bowsprit." 

"  And  what  is  the  opinion  of  the  berth-deck 
concerning  this  strange  brigantine,  that  we  have 
so  long  been  following  without  success  ?  " 

"  That  we  shall  follow  her  till  the  last  biscuit 
is  eaten,  and  the  scuttle-butt  shall  be  dry,  with 
no  better  fortune.  It  is  not  my  business  to  teach 
your  honor,  but  there  is  not  a  man  in  the  ship 
who  ever  expects  to  be  a  farthing  the  better  for 
her  capture.  Men  are  of  many  minds  concerning 
the 1  Skimmer  of  the  Seas  ; !  but  all  are  agreed  that, 
unless  aided  by  some  uncommon  luck,  which  may 
amount  to  the  same  thing  as  being  helped  by  him 
who  seldom  lends  a  hand  to  any  honest  under- 
taking, he  is  altogether  such  a  seaman  as  another 
like  him  does  not  sail  the  ocean ! " 

"  I  am  sorry  that  my  people  should  have  rea- 
son to  think  so  meanly  of  our  own  skill.  The 
ship  has  not  yet  had  a  fair  chance.  Give  her  an 
open  sea,  and  a  capful  of  wind,  and  she'll  defy 
all  the  black  women  that  the  brigantine  can  stow. 
As  to  your  '  Skimmer  of  the  Seas,'  man  or  devil, 
he  is  our  prisoner." 

"  And  does  your  honor  believe  that  the  trim- 
built  and  light-sailing  gentleman  we  overhauled 
in  this  skiff  is  in  truth  that  renowned  rover  ? " 


asked  Yarn,  resting  on  his  sculls  in  the  interest 
of  the  moment.  "  There  are  some  on  board  the 
ship  who  maintain  that  the  man  in  question  is  tall- 
er than  the  big  tide-waiter  at  Plymouth,  with  a 
pair  of  shoulders — " 

"  I  have  reason  to  know  that  they  are  mis- 
taken. If  we  are  more  enlightened  than  our  ship- 
mates, Master  Yarn,  let  us  be  close-mouthed,  that 
others  do  not  steal  our  knowledge— hold,  here  is 
a  crown  with  the  face  of  King  Louis  ;  he  is  our 
bitterest  enemy,  and  you  may  swallow  him  whole, 
if  you  please,  or  take  him  in  morsels,  as  shall 
best  suit  your  humor.  But  remember  that  our 
cruise  in  the  skiff  is  under  secret  orders,  and  the 
less  we  say  about  the  anchor-watch  of  the  brigan- 
tine the  better." 

Honest  Bob  took  the  piece  of  silver  with  a 
gusto  that  no  opinions  of  the  marvellous  could 
dimmish  ;  and,  touching  his  hat,  he  did  not  fail  to 
make  the  usual  protestations  of  discretion.  That 
night  the  messmates  and  the  foretop-man  endeav- 
ored in  vain  to  extract  from  him  the  particulars 
of  his  excursion  with  the  captain ;  though  the 
direct  answers  to  their  home  questions  were  only 
evaded  by  allusions  so  dark  and  ambiguous  as 
to  give  to  that  superstitious  feeling  of  the  crew, 
which  Ludlow  had  wished  to  lull,  twice  its  original 
force. 

Not  long  after  this  short  dialogue,  the  skiff 
reached  the  side  of  the  Coquette.  Her  command- 
er found  his  prisoner  in  possession  of  his  own 
cabin,  and,  though  grave  if  not  sad  in  demeanor, 
perfectly  self-possessed.  His  arrival  had  pro- 
duced a  deep  effect  on  the  officers  and  men, 
though,  like  Yarn,  most  of  both  classes  refused 
to  believe  that  the  handsome  and  gayly-attired 
youth  they  had  been  summoned  to  receive  was 
the  notorious  dealer  in  contraband. 

Light  observers  of  the  forms  under  which  hu- 
man qualities  are  exhibited  too  often  mistake 
their  outward  signs.  Though  it  is  quite  in  rea- 
son to  believe  that  he  who  mingles  much  in  rude 
and  violent  scenes  should  imbibe  some  of  their 
rough  and  repelling  aspects,  still  it  would  seem 
that,  as  the  stillest  waters  commonly  conceal  the 
deepest  currents,  so  the  powers  to  awaken  ex- 
traordinary events  are  not  unfrequently  cloaked 
under  a  chastened  and  sometimes  under  a  cold 
exterior.  It  has  often  happened  that  the  most 
desperate  and  self-willed  men  are  those  whose 
mien  and  manners  would  give  reason  to  expect 
the  mildest  and  most  tractable  dispositions ; 
while  he  who  has  seemed  a  lion  sometimes  proves, 
in  his  real  nature,  to  be  little  better  than  a  lamb. 

Ludlow  had  reason  to  see  that  the  incredulity 
of  his  topman  had  extended  to  most  on  board ; 


THE  LADY  OF  THE  BRIGANTINE. 


129 


and,  as  lie  could  not  conquer  his  tenderness  on 
the  subject  of  Alida  and  all  that  concerned  her, 
while  on  the  other  hand  there  existed  no  motive 
for  immediately  declaring  the  truth,  he  rather 
favored  the  general  impression  by  his  silence. 
First  giving  some  orders  of  the  last  importance  at 
that  moment,  he  passed  into  the  cabin,  and  sought 
a  private  interview  with  his  captive. 

"  That  vacant  state-room  is  at  your  service, 
Master  Seadrift,"  he  observed,  pointing  to  the 
little  apartment  opposite  to  the  one  he  occupied 
himself.  "  We  are  likely  to  be  shipmates  several 
days,  unless  you  choose  to  shorten  the  time  by 
entering  into  a  capitulation  for  the  Water- Witch, 
in  which  case — " 

"  You  had  a  proposition  to  make." 

Ludlow  hesitated,  cast  an  eye  behind  him,  to 
be  certain  they  were  alone,  and  drew  nearer  to 
his  captive. 

"  Sir,  I  will  deal  with  you  as  becomes  a  sea- 
man. La  belle  Barberie  is  dearer  to  me  than 
ever  woman  was  before  ;  dearer,  I  fear,  than  ever 
woman  will  be  again.  You  need  not  learn  that 
circumstances  have  occurred —  Do  you  love  the 
lady?  " 

"I  do." 

"  And  she — fear  not  to  trust  the  secret  to  one 
who  will  not  abuse  the  trust — returns  she  your 
affection?" 

The  mariner  of  the  brigantine  drew  back  with 
dignity ;  then,  instantly  recovering  his  ease,  as 
if  fearful  he  might  forget  himself,  he  said  with 
warmth : 

"This  trifling  with  woman's  weakness  is  the 
besetting  sin  of  man  !  None  may  speak  of  her 
inclinations,  Captain  Ludlow,  but  herself.  It 
never  shall  be  said  that  any  of  the  sex  had  aught 
but  fitting  reverence  for  their  dependent  state, 
their  constant  and  confiding  love,  their  faithful- 
ness in  all  the  world's  trials,  and  their  singleness 
of  heart,  from  me." 

"  These  sentiments  do  you  honor ;  and  I  could 
wish,  for  your  own  sake,  as  well  as  that  of  others, 
there  was  less  of  contrariety  in  your  character. 
One  cannot  but  grieve — " 

"You  had  a  proposition  for  the  brigan- 
tine?" 

"  I  would  have  said  that,  were  the  vessel  yielded 
without  further  pursuit,  means  might  be  found 
to  soften  the  blow  to  those  who  will  otherwise  be 
most  wounded  by  her  capture." 

The  face  of  the  dealer  in  contraband  had  lost 
some  of  its  usual  brightness  and  animation  ;  the 
color  of  the  cheek  was  not  as  rich,  and  the  eye 
was  less  at  ease,  than  in  his  former  interviews  with 
Ludlow.  But  a  smile  of  security  crossed  bis  fine 
!.-''  9 


features  when  the  other  spoke  of  the  fate  of  the 
brigantine. 

"  The  keel  of  the  ship  that  is  to  capture  the 
Water-Witch  is  not  yet  laid,"  he  said,  firmly; 
"  nor  is  the  canvas  that  is  to  drive  her  through  the 
water  wove !  Our  mistress  is  not  so  heedless  as 
to  sleep  when  there  is  most  occasion  for  her  ser- 
vices." 

"  This  mummery  of  a  supernatural  aid  may 
be  of  use  in  holding  the  minds  of  the  ignorant  be- 
ings who  follow  your  fortunes,  in  subjection,  but 
it  is  lost  when,  addressed  to  me.  I  have  ascer- 
tained the  position  of  the  brigantine — nay,  I  have 
been  under  her  very  bowsprit,  and  so  near  her 
cut-water  as  to  have  examined  her  moorings. 
Measures  are  now  taking  to  improve  my  knowl- 
edge, and  to  secure  the  prize." 

The  free-trader  heard  him  without  exhibiting 
alarm,  though  he  listened  with  an  attention  that 
rendered  his  breathing  audible. 

"  You  found  my  people  vigilant  ?  "  he  rather 
carelessly  observed,  than  asked. 

"  So  much  so  that  I  have  said  the  skiff  was 
pulled  beneath  her  martingale  without  a  hail ! 
Had  there  been  means,  it  would  not  have  required 
many  moments  to  cut  the  hawser  by  which  she 
rides,  and  to  have  laid  your  beauteous  vessel 
ashore ! " 

The  gleam  of  Seadrift's  eye  was  like  the  glance 
of  an  eagle.  It  seemed  to  inquire,  and  to  resent, 
in  the  same  instant.  Ludlow  shrank  from  the 
piercing  look,  and  reddened  to  the  brow — wheth- 
er with  his  recollections,  or  not,  it  is  unnecessary 
to  explain. 

"  The  worthy  device  was  thought  of! — nay,  it 
was  attempted  !  "  exclaimed  the  other,  gathering 
confirmation  in  the  consciousness  of  his  compan- 
ion.   "  You  did  not — you  could  not  succeed  !  " 

"  Our  success  will  be  proved  in  the  result." 

"  The  lady  of  the  brigantine  forgot  not  her 
charge !  You  saw  her  bright  eye — her  dark  and 
meaning  face !  Light  shone  on  that  mysterious 
countenance — my  words  are  true,  Ludlow ;  thy 
tongue  is  silent,  but  that  honest  countenance  con- 
fesses all ! " 

The  gay  dealer  in  contraband  turned  away, 
and  laughed  in  his  merriest  manner. 

"I  knew  it  would  be  so,"  he  continued; 
"what  is  the  absence  of  one  humble  actor  from 
her  train  ?  Trust  me,  you  will  find  her  coy  as 
ever,  and  ill-disposed  to  hold  converse  with  a 
cruiser  who  speaks  so  rudely  through  his  cannon. 
Ha ! — here  are  auditors  !  " 

An  officer,  to  announce  the  near  approach  of 
a  boat,  entered.  Both  Ludlow  and  his  prisoner 
started  at  this  intelligence,  and  it  was  not  diffi- 


130 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


cult  to  fancy,  both  believed  that  a  message  from 
the  Water-Witch  might  be  expected.  The  for- 
mer hastened  on  deck ;  while  the  latter,  notwith- 
standing a  self-possession  that  was  so  much  prac- 
tised, could  not  remain  entirely  at  his  ease.  He 
passed  into  the  state-room,  and  it  is  more  than 
probable  that  he  availed  himself  of  the  window 
of  its  quarter-gallery  to  reconnoitre  those  who 
were  so  unexpectedly  coming  to  the  ship. 

But,  after  the  usual  hail  and  reply,  Ludlow  no 
longer  anticipated  any  proposal  from  the  brigan- 
tine.  The  answer  had  been  what,  a  seaman  would 
call  lubberly ;  or  it  wanted  that  Attic  purity  that 
men  of  the  profession  rarely  fail  to  use  on  all  occa- 
sions, and  by  the  means  of  which  they  can  tell 
a  pretender  to  their  mysteries,  with  a  quickness 
that  is  almost  instinctive.  When  the  short,  quick 
"  Boat  ahoy  ! "  of  the  sentinel  on  the  gangway, 
was  answered  by  the  "What  do  you  want  ?  "  of  a 
startled  respondent  in  the  boat,  it  was  received 
among  the  crew  of  the  Coquette  with  such  a  sneer 
as  the  tyro,  who  has  taken  two  steps  in  any  par- 
ticular branch  of  knowledge,  is  apt  to  bestow 
on  the  blunders  of  him  who  has  taken  but  one. 

A  deep  silence  reigned,  while  a  party  consist- 
ing of  two  men  and  as  many  females  mounted 
the  side  of  the  ship,  leaving  a  sufficient  number  of 
forms  behind  them  in  the  boat  to  man  its  oars. 
Notwithstanding  more  than  one  light  was  held  in 
such  a  manner  as  would  have  discovered  the 
faces  of  the  strangers  had  they  not  all  been  close- 
ly muffled,  the  party  passed  into  the  cabin  with- 
out recognition. 

"  Master  Cornelius  Ludlow,  one  might  as  well 
put  on  the  queen's  livery  at  once,  as  to  be  steer- 
ing in  this  uncertain  manner,  between  the  Co- 
quette and  the  land,  like  a  protested  note  sent 
from  indorser  to  indorser,  to  be  paid,"  com- 
menced Alderman  Van  Beverout,  uncasing  him- 
self in  the  great  cabin  with  the  coolest  delibera- 
tion, while  his  niece  sank  into  a  chair  unbidden, 
her  two  attendants  standing  near  in  submissive 
silence.  "  Here  is  Alida,  who  has  insisted  on 
paying  so  unseasonabie  a  visit,  and,  what  is  worse 
still,  on  dragging  me  in  her  train,  though  I  am 
past  the  day  of  following  a  woman  about,  merely 
because  she  happens  to  have  a  pretty  face.  The 
hour  is  unseasonable,  and  as  to  the  motive — why, 
if  Master  Seadrift  has  got  a  little  out  of  his 
course,  no  great  harm  can  come  of  it,  while  the 
affair  is  in  the  hands  of  so  discreet  and  amiable 
an  officer  as  yourself." 

The  alderman  became  suddenly  mute  ;  for  the 
door  of  the  state-room  opened,  and  the  individual 
"he  had  named  entered  in  person. 

Ludlow  needed  no  other  explanation  than  the 


knowledge  of  the  persons  of  his  guests,  to  under- 
stand the  motive  of  their  visit.  Turning  to  Al- 
derman Van  Beverout,  he  said,  with  a  bitterness 
he  could  not  repress  : 

"My  presence  may  be  intrusive.  TJse  the 
cabin  as  freely  as  your  own  house,  and  rest  as- 
sured that  while  it  is  thus  honored,  it  shall  be 
sacred  to  its  present  uses.  My  duty  calls  me  to 
the  deck." 

The  young  man  bowed,  and  hurried  from 
the  place.  As  he  passed  Alida,  he  caught  a 
gleam  of  her  dark  and  eloquent  eye,  and  he  con- 
strued the  glance  into  an  expression  of  grati- 
tude. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

"  If  it  were  done  when  'tis  done,  then  'twera  well 
It  were  done  quickly." 

Macbeth. 

The  words  of  the  immortal  poet  with  which, 
in  deference  to  an  ancient  usage  in  the  litera- 
ture of  the  language,  we  have  prefaced  the  inci- 
dents to  be  related  in  this  chapter,  are  in  per- 
fect conformity  with  that  governing  maxim  of  a 
vessel,  which  is  commonly  found  embodied  in  its 
standing  orders,  and  which  prescribes  the  neces- 
sity of  exertion  and  activity  in  the  least  of  its 
operations.  A  strongly-manned  ship,  like  a  strong 
armed  man,  is  fond  of  showing  its  physical  pow- 
er, for  it  is  one  of  the  principal  secrets  of  its  effi- 
ciency. In  a  profession  in  which  there  is  an  un- 
ceasing contest  with  the  wild  and  fickle  winds, 
and  in  which  human  efforts  are  to  be  manifested  in 
the  control  of  a  delicate  and  fearful  machinery  on 
an  inconstant  element,  this  governing  principle  be- 
comes of  the  last  importance.  Where  "  delay  may 
so  easily  be  death,"  it  soon  gets  to  be  a  word  that 
is  expunged  from  the  language ;  and  there  is  per- 
haps no  truth  more  necessary  to  be  known  to  all 
young  aspirants  for  naval  success  than  that, 
while  nothing  should  be  attempted  in  a  hurry, 
nothing  should  be  done  without  the  last  degree 
of  activity  that  is  compatible  with  precision. 

The  commander  of  the  Coquette  had  early 
been  impressed  with  the  truth  of  the  foregoing 
rule,  and  he  had  not  neglected  its  application  in 
the  discipline  of  his  crew.  When  he  reached  the 
deck,  therefore,  after  relinquishing  the  cabin  to 
his  visitors,  he  found  those  preparations  which 
he  had  ordered  to  be  commenced  when  he  first 
returned  to  the  ship,  already  far  advanced  tow- 
ard their  execution.  As  these  movements  are 
closely  connected  with  the  future  events  it  is  our 


THE  COQUETTE'S  PREPARATIONS  FOR  SEA. 


131 


duty  to  explain,  we  shall  relate  them  with  some 
particularity. 

Ludlow  had  no  sooner  given  his  orders  to  the 
officer  in  charge  of  the  deck,  than  the  call  of  the 
boatswain  was  heard  summoning  all  hands  to 
their  duty.  When  the  crew  was  collected,  tackles 
were  hooked  to  the  large  boats  stowed  in  the 
centre  of  the  ship,  and  the  whole  of  them  were 
lowered  into  the  water.  The  descent  of  those 
suspended  on  the  quarters  was  of  course  less 
difficult,  and  much  sooner  effected.  So  soon  as 
all  the  boats,  with .  the  exception  of  one  at  the 
stern,  were  out,  the  order  was  given  to  "  cross 
top-gallant-yards."  This  duty  had  been  com- 
menced while  other  things  were  in  the  course  of 
performance,  and  a  minute  had  scarcely  passed 
before  the  upper  masts  were  again  in  possession 
of  their  light  sails.  Then  was  heard  the  usual 
summons  of  "  all  hands  up  anchor,  ahoy  !  "  and 
the  rapid  orders  of  the  young  officers  to  "  man 
capstan-bars,"  to  "  nipper,"  and  finally  to  "  heave 
away."  The  business  of  getting  the  anchor  on 
board  a  cruiser,  and  on  board  a  ship  engaged  in 
commerce,  is  of  very  different  degrees  of  labor,  as 
well  as  of  expedition.  In  the  latter,  a  dozen 
men  apply  their  powers  to  a  slow-moving  and  re- 
luctant windlass,  while  the  untractable  cable,  as 
it  enters,  is  broken  into  coils  by  the  painful  ef- 
forts of  a  grumbling  cook,  thwarted,  perhaps,  as 
much  as  he  is  aided  by  the  waywardness  of 
some  wilful  urchin  who  does  the  services  of  the 
cabin.  On  the  other  hand,  the  upright  and  con- 
stantly-moving capstan  knows  no  delay.  The  re- 
volving "  messenger  "  is  ever  ready  to  be  applied 
and  skilful  petty  officers  are  always  in  the  tiers 
to  dispose  of  the  massive  rope,  that  it  may  not 
encumber  the  decks. 

Ludlow  appeared  among  his  people  while  they 
were  thus  employed.  Ere  he  had  made  one  has- 
ty turn  on  the  quarter-deck,  he  was  met  by  the 
busy  first-lieutenant. 

"  We  are  short,  sir,"  said  that  agent  of  all 
work. 

"  Set  your  topsails." 

The  canvas  was  instantly  permitted  to  fall, 
and  it  was  no  sooner  stretched  to  the  yards,  than 
force  was  applied  to  the  halyards,  and  the  sails 
were  hoisted. 

"  Which  way,  sir,  do  you  wish  the  ship  cast  ?  " 
demanded  the  attentive  Luff. 

"  To  seaward." 

The  head-yards  were  accordingly  braced  aback 
in  the  proper  direction,  and  it  was  then  reported 
to  the  captain  that  all  was  ready  to  get  the  ship 
under  way. 

"  Trip  the  anchor  at  once,  sir ;  when  it  is 


stowed,  and  the  decks  are  cleared,  report  to 
me." 

This  sententious  and  characteristic  communi- 
cation was  sufficient  for  all  the  purposes  of  that 
moment.  The  one  was  accustomed  to  issue  his 
orders  without  explanation,  and  the  other  never 
hesitated  to  obey,  and  rarely  presumed  to  inquire 
into  their  motive. 

"  We  are  aweigh  and  stowed,  sir ;  every  thing 
clear,"  said  Mr.  Luff,  after  a  few  minutes  had 
been  allowed  to  execute  the  preceding  com- 
mands. 

Ludlow  then  seemed  to  arouse  himself  from  a 
deep  reverie.  He  had  hitherto  spoken  mechanical- 
ly, rather  than  as  one  conscious  of  what  he  uttered, 
or  whose  feelings  had  any  connection  with  his 
words.  But  it  was  now  necessary  to  mingle  with  his 
officers  and  to  issue  mandates  that,  as  they  were 
less  in  routine,  required  both  thought  and  dis- 
cretion. The  crews  of  the  different  boats  were 
"  called  away,"  and  arms  were  placed  in  their 
hands.  When  nearly  or  quite  one-half  of  the  ship's 
company  were  in  the  boats,  and  the  latter  were 
all  reported  to  be  ready,  officers  were  assigned  to 
each,  and  the  particular  service  expected  at  their 
hands  was  distinctly  explained. 

A  master's  mate  in  the  captain's  barge,  with 
the  crew  strengthened  by  half  a  dozen  marines, 
was  ordered  to  pull  directly  for  the  cove,  into 
which  he  was  to  enter  with  muffled  oars,  and 
where  he  was  to  await  a  signal  from  the  first-lieu- 
tenant, unless  he  met  the  brigantine  endeavoring 
to  escape,  in  which  case  his  orders  were  impera- 
tive to  board  and  carry  her  at  every  hazard.  The 
high-spirited  youth  no  sooner  received  this  charge, 
than  he  quitted  the  ship  and  steered  to  the  south- 
ward, keeping  inside  the  tongue  of  land  so  often 
named. 

Luff  was  then  told  to  take  command  of  the 
launch.  With  this  heavy  and  strongly-manned 
boat,  he  was  ordered  to  proceed  to  the  inlet, 
where  he  was  to  give  the  signal  to  the  barge,  and 
whence  he  was  to  go  to  the  assistance  of  the  lat- 
ter, so  soon  as  he  was  assured  the  Water- Witch 
could  not  again  escape  by  the  secret  passage. 

The  two  cutters  were  intrusted  to  the  command 
of  the  second-lieutenant,  with  orders  to  pull  into 
the  broad  passage  between  the  end  of  the  cape, 
or  the  "  Hook,"  and  that  long,  narrow  island 
which  stretches  from  the  harbor  of  New  York 
for  more  than  forty  leagues  to  the  eastward,  shel- 
tering the  whole  coast  of  Connecticut  from  the 
tempests  of  the  ocean.  Ludlow  knew,  though 
ships  of  a  heavy  draught  were  obliged  to  pass 
close  to  the  cape,  in  order  to  gain  the  open  sea, 
that  a  light  brigantine,  like  the  Water-Witch, 


132 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


could  find  a  sufficient  depth  of  water  for  her  pur- 
poses farther  north.  The  cutters  were,  therefore, 
sent  in  that  direction,  with  orders  to  cover  as 
much  of  the  channel  as  possible,  and  to  carry 
the  smuggler  should  an  occasion  offer.  Finally, 
the  yawl  was  to  occupy  the  space  between  the 
two  channels,  with  orders  to  repeat  signals,  and 
to  be  vigilant  in  reconnoitring. 

While  the  different  officers  intrusted  with 
these  duties  were  receiving  their  instructions,  the 
ship,  under  the  charge  of  Trysail,  began  to  move 
toward  the  cape.  When  off  the  point  of  the 
Hook,  the  two  cutters  and  the  yawl  "  cast  off," 
and  took  to  their  oars,  and,  when  fairly  without 
the  buoys,  the  launch  did  the  same,  each  boat 
taking  its  prescribed  direction. 

If  the  reader  retains  a  distinct  recollection  of 
the  scene  described  in  one  of  the  earlier  pages  of 
this  work,  he  will  understand  the  grounds  on  which 
Ludlow  based  his  hopes  of  success.  By  sending 
the  launch  into  the  inlet,  he  believed  he  should 
enclose  the  brigantine  on  every  side ;  since  her 
escape  'through  either  of  the  ordinary  channels 
would  become  impossible,  while  he  kept  the 
Coquette  in  the  offing.  The  service  he  expected 
from  the  three  boats  sent  to  the  northward,  was 
to  trace  the  movement  of  the  smuggler,  and, 
should  a  suitable  opportunity  offer,  to  attempt  to 
carry  him  by  surprise. 

When  the  launch  parted  from  the  ship,  the 
Coquette  came  slowly  up  to  the  wind,  and,  with 
her  fore-topsail  thrown  to  the  mast,  she  lay,  wait- 
ing to  allow  her  boats  the  time  necessary  to  reach 
their  several  stations.  The  different  expeditions 
had  reduced  the  force  of  the  crew  quite  one-half, 
and  as  both  the  lieutenants  were  otherwise  em- 
ployed, there  now  remained  on  board  no  officer 
of  a  rank  between  those  of  the  captain  and  Try- 
sail. Some  time  after  the  vessel  had  been  sta- 
tionary, and  the  men  had  been  ordered  to  keep 
close,  or,  in  other  words,  to  dispose  of  their  per- 
sons as  they  pleased,  with  a  view  to  permit  them 
to  catch  "  cat's  naps,"  as  some  compensation  for 
the  loss  of  their  regular  sleep,  the  latter  ap- 
proached his  superior,  who  stood  gazing  over  the 
hammock-cloths  in  the  direction  of  the  cove,  and 
spoke. 

"  A  dark  night,  smooth  water,  and  fresh  hands, 
make  boating  agreeable  duty !  "  he  said.  "  The 
gentlemen  are  in  fine  heart,  and  full  of  young 
men's  hopes ;  but  he  who  lays  that  brigantine 
aboard  will,  in  my  poor  judgment,  have  more 
work  to  do  than  merely  getting  up  her  side.  I 
was  in  the  foremost  boat  that  boarded  a  Spaniard 
in  the  Mona,  last  war ;  and  though  we  went  into 
her  with  light  heels,  some  of  us  were  brought  out 


with  broken  heads.  I  think  the  foretop-gallant- 
mast  has  a  better  set,  Captain  Ludlow,  since  we 
gave  the  last  pull  at  the  rigging  ?  " 

"  It  stands  well,"  returned  his  half-attentive 
commander.  "  Give  it  the  other  drag,  if  you  think 
best." 

"  Just  as  you  please,  sir  ;  'tis  all  one  to  me. 
I  care  not  if  the  mast  is  hove  all  of  one  side,  like 
the  hat  on  the  head  of  a  country  buck ;  but 
when  a  thing  is  as  it  ought  to  be,  reason  would 
tell  us  to  let  it  alone.  Mr.  Luff  was  of  opinion 
that,  by  altering  the  slings  of  the  main-yard,  we 
should  give  a  better  set  to  the  topsail-sheets ;  but 
it  was  little  that  could  be  done  with  the  stick 
aloft,  and  I  am  ready  to  pay  her  majesty  the  dif- 
ference between  the  wear  of  the  sheets  as  they 
stand  now,  and  as  Mr.  Luff  would  have  them,  out 
of  my  own  pocket,  though  it  is  often  as  empty 
as  a  parish  church  in  which  a  fox-hunting  parson 
preaches.  I  was  present,  once,  when  a  real  tally- 
ho  was  reading  the  service,  and  one  of  your  god- 
less squires  got  in  the  wake  of  a  fox,  with  his 
hounds,  within  hail  of  the  church-windows !  The 
cries  had  some  such  effect  on  my  roarer  as  a 
puff  of  wind  would  have  on  this  ship  ;  that  is  to 
say  he  sprung  his  luff,  and,  though  he  kept  on 
muttering  something  I  never  knew  what,  his  eyes 
were  in  the  fields  the  whole  time  the  pack  was  in 
view.  But  this  wasn't  the  worst  of  it ;  for,  when 
he  got  fairly  back  to  his  work  again,  the  wind  had 
been  blowing  the  leaves  of  his  book  about,  and  he 
plumped  us  into  the  middle  of  the  marriage  cere- 
mony. I  am  no  great  lawyer,  but  there  were  those 
who  said  it  was  a  god-send  that  half  the  young 
men  in  the  parish  weren't  married  to  their  own 
grandmothers !  " 

"  I  hope  the  match  was  agreeable  to  the  fam- 
ily," said  Ludlow,  relieving  one  elbow  by  resting 
the  weight  of  his  head  on  the  other. 

"  YvTiy,  as  to  that,  I  will  not  take  upon  me  to 
say,  since  the  clerk  corrected  the  parson's  reck- 
oning before  the  mischief  was  entirely  done. 
There  has  been  a  little  dispute  between  me  and 
the  first-lieutenant,  Captain  Ludlow,  concerning 
the  trim  of  the  ship.  He  maintains  that  we  have 
got  too  much  in  forward  of  what  he  calls  the  cen- 
tre of  gravity;  and  he  is  of  opinion  that  had  we 
been  less  by  the  head,  the  smuggler  would  never 
have  had  the  heels  of  us  in  the  chase ;  whereas  I  in- 
vite any  man  to  lay  a  craft  on  her  water-line — " 

"  Show  our  light  !  "  interrupted  Ludlow. 
"  Yonder  goes  the  signal  of  the  launch  !  " 

Trysail  ceased  speaking,  and,  stepping  on  a 
gun,  he  began  to  gaze  in  the  direction  of  the 
cove.  A  lantern,  or  some  other  bright  object, 
was  leisurely  raised  three  times,  and  as  often  hid 


ANOTHER 

from  view.  The  signal  came  from  under  the  land, 
and  in  a  quarter  that  left  no  doubt  of  its  object. 

"  So  far  -well,"  cried  the  captain,  quitting  his 
stand,  and  turning,  for  the  first  time,  with  con- 
sciousness, to  his  officer.  "  'Tis  a  sign  that  they 
are  at  the  inlet,  and  that  the  offing  is  clear.  I 
think,  Master  Trysail,  we  are  now  sure  of  our 
prize.  Sweep  the  horizon  thoroughly  with  the 
night-glass,  and  then  we  will  close  upon  this 
boasted  brigantine." 

Both  took  glasses,  and  devoted  several  min- 
utes to  this  duty.  A  careful  examination  of  the 
margin  of  the  sea,  from  the  coast  of  New  Jersey 
to  that  of  Long  Island,  gave  them  reason  to  be- 
lieve that  nothing  of  any  size  was  lying  without 
the  cape.  The  sky  was  more  free  from  clouds 
to  the  eastward  than  under  the  land,  and  it  was 
not  difficult  to  make  certain  of  this  important 
fact.  It  gave  them  the  assurance  that  the  Water- 
Witch  had  not  escaped  by  the  secret  passage, 
during  the  time  lost  in  their  own  preparations. 

"  This  is  still  well,"  continued  Ludlow.  "  Now 
he  cannot  avoid  us — show  the  triangle." 

Three  lights  disposed  in  the  form  just  named 
were  then  hoisted  at  the  gaff-end  of  the  Coquette. 
It  was  an  order  for  the  boats  in  the  cove  to  pro- 
ceed. The  signal  was  quickly  answered  from  the 
launch,  and  a  small  rocket  was  seen  sailing  over 
the  trees  and  shrubbery  of  the  shore.  All  on 
board  the  Coquette  listened  intently,  to  catch 
some  sound  that  should  denote  the  tumult  of  an 
assault.  Once  Ludlow  and  Trysail  thought  the 
cheers  of  seamen  came  on  the  thick  air  of  the 
night;  and  once,  again,  either  fancy  or  their 
senses  told  them  they  heard  the  menacing  hail 
which  commanded  the  outlaws  to  submit.  Many 
minutes  of  intense  anxiety  succeeded.  The  whole 
of  the  hammock-cloths  on  the  side  of  the  ship 
nearest  to  the  land  were  lined  with  curious  faces, 
though  respect  left  Ludlow  to  the  sole  occupation 
of  the  short  and  light  deck  which  covered  the  ac- 
commodations, whither  he  had  ascended,  to  com- 
mand a  more  perfect  view  of  the  horizon. 

"  'Tis  time  to  hear  their  musketry,  or  to  see 
the  signal  of  success ! "  said  the  young  man  to 
himself,  so  intently  occupied  by  his  interest  in 
the  undertaking  as  to  be  unconscious  of  having 
spoken. 

"  Have  you  forgotten  to  provide  a  signal  for 
failure  ?  "  said  one  at  his  elbow. 

"  Ha  !  Master  Seadrift — I  would  have  spared 
you  this  spectacle." 

"  'Tis  one  too  often  witnessed  to  be  singular. 
A  life  passed  on  the  ocean  has  not  left  me  igno- 
rant of  the  effect  of  night,  with  a  view  seaward, 
a  dark  coast,  and  a  background  of  mountain ! " 


FAILURE.  133 

"  You  have  confidence  in  him  left  in  charge 
of  your  brigantine !  I  shall  have  faith  in  your 
sea-green  lady  myself,  if  he  escape  my  boats  this 
time." 

"  See ! — there  is  a  token  of  her  fortune,"  re- 
turned the  other,  pointing  toward  three  lanterns 
that  were  shown  at  the  inlet's  mouth,  and  over 
which  many  lights  were  burnt  in  rapid  succession. 

"  'Tis  of  failure  !  Let  the  ship  fall-off,  and 
square  away  the  yards  !  Round  in,  men,  round 
in.  We  will  run  down  to  the  entrance  of  the 
bay,  Mr.  Trysail.  The  knaves  have  been  aided 
by  their  lucky  star  ! " 

Ludlow  spoke  with  deep  vexation  in  his  tones, 
but  always  with  the  authority  of  a  superior  and 
the  promptitude  of  a  seaman.  The  motionless 
being,  near  him,  maintained  a  profound  silence. 
No  exclamation  of  triumph  escaped  him,  nor  did 
he  open  his  lips  either  in  pleasure  or  in  surprise. 
It  appeared  as  if  confidence  in  his  vessel  rendered 
him  as  much  superior  to  exultation  as  to  appre- 
hension. 

"You  look  upon  this  exploit  of  your  brigan- 
tine, Master  Seadrift,  as  a  thing  of  course,"  Lud- 
low observed,  when  his  own  ship  was  steering 
toward  the  extremity  of  the  cape  again.  "  For- 
tune has  not  deserted  you  yet ;  but,  with  the  land 
on  three  sides,  and  this  ship  and  her  boats  on 
the  fourth,  I  do  not  despair  yet  of  prevailing 
over  your  bronzed  goddess  !  " 

"  Our  mistress  never  sleeps,"  returned  the 
dealer  in  contraband,  drawing  a  long  breath,  like 
one  who  had  struggled  long  to  repress  his  interest. 

"  Terms  are  still  in  your  power.  I  shall  not 
conceal  that  the  commissioners  of  her  majesty's 
customs  set  so  high  a  price  on  the  possession  of 
the  Water- Witch  as  to  embolden  me  to  assume 
a  responsibility  from  which  I  might,  on  any  oth- 
er occasion,  shrink.  Deliver  the  vessel,  and  I 
pledge  you  the  honor  of  an  officer  that  the  crew 
shall  land  without  question.  Leave  her  to  us, 
with  empty  decks  and  a  swept  hold,  if  you  will, 
— but,  leave  the  swift  boat  in  our  hands." 

"  The  lady  of  the  brigantine  thinks  otherwise. 
She  wears  her  mantle  of  the  deep  waters,  and, 
trust  me,  spite  of  all  your  nets,  she  will  lead  her 
followers  beyond  the  offices  of  the  lead,  and  far 
from  soundings — ay,  spite  of  all  the  navy  of 
Queen  Anne ! " 

"  I  hope  that  others  may  not  repent  this  ob- 
stinacy !  But  this  is  no  time  to  bandy  words  ; 
the  duty  of  the  ship  requires  my  presence." 

Seadrift  took  the  hint,  and  reluctantly  retired 
to  the  cabin.  As  he  left  the  poop,  the  moon  rose 
above  the  line  of  water  in  the  eastern  board,  and 
shed  its  light  along  the  whole  horizon.   The  crew 


134 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


of  the  Coquette  were  now  enabled  to  see,  with  suf- 
ficient distinctness,  from  the  sands  of  the  Hook 
to  the  distance  of  many  leagues  to  seaward. 
There  no  longer  remained  a  doubt  that  the  brig- 
antine  was  still  within  the  bay.  Encouraged  by 
this  certainty,  Ludlow  endeavored  to  forget  all  mo- 
tives of  personal  feeling,  in  the  discharge  of  a 
duty  that  was  getting  to  be  more  and  more  interest- 
ing, as  the  prospect  of  its  successful  accomplish- 
ment grew  brighter. 

It  was  not  long  before  the  Coquette  reached 
the  channel  which  forms  the  available  mouth  of 
the  estuary.  Here  the  ship  was  again  brought 
to  the  wind,  and  men  were  sent  upon  the  yards 
and  all  her  more  lofty  spars,  in  order  to  overlook, 
by  the  dim  and  deceitful  light,  as  much  of  the  in- 
ner water  as  the  eye  could  reach  ;  while  Ludlow, 
assisted  by  the  master,  was  engaged  in  the  same 
employment  on  the  deck.  Two  or  three  midship- 
men were  included  among  the  common  herd 
aloft. 

"  There  is  nothing  visible  within,"  said  the 
captain,  after  a  long  and  anxious  search  with  a 
glass.  "  The  shadow  of  the  Jersey  mountains 
prevents  the  sight  in  that  direction,  while  the 
spars  of  a  frigate  might  be  confounded  with  the 
trees  of  Staten  Island,  here,  in  the  northern 
board. — Cross-jack-yard  there  !  " 

The  shrill  voice  of  a  midshipman  answered  to 
the  hail. 

"  What  do  you  make  within  the  Hook,  sir  ?  " 

"  Nothing  visible.  Our  barge  is  pulling  along 
the  land,  and  the  launch  appears  to  be  lying  off 
the  inlet ;  ay,  here  is  the  yawl  resting  on  its  oars 
without  the  Rorner;  but  we  can  find  nothing 
which  looks  like  the  cutter  in  the  range  of 
Coney." 

"  Take  another  sweep  of  the  glass  more  west- 
ward, and  look  well  into  the  mouth  of  the  Raritan ; 
mark  you  any  thing  in  that  quarter  ?  " 

"  Ha !  here  is  a  speck  on  our  lee  quarter." 

"  What  do  you  make  of  it  ?  " 

"  Unless  sight  deceives  me  greatly,  sir,  there 
is  a  light  boat  pulling  in  for  the  ship,  about  three 
cables'  length  distant." 

Ludlow  raised  his  own  glass,  and  swept  the 
water  in  the  direction  named.  After  one  or  two 
unsuccessful  trials,  his  eye  caught  the  object; 
and,  as  the  moon  had  now  some  power,  he  was  at 
no  loss  to  distinguish  its  character.  There  was 
evidently  a  boat,  and  one  that,  by  its  movements, 
had  a  design  of  holding  communication  with  the 
cruiser. 

The  eye  of  a  seaman  is  acute  on  his  element, 
and  his  mind  is  quick  in  forming  opinions  on  all 
things  that  properly  appertain  to  his  profession. 


Ludlow  saw  instantly,  by  the  construction,  that 
the  boat  was  not  one  of  those  sent  from  the  ship  ; 
that  it  approached  in  a  direction  which  enabled 
it  to  avoid  the  Coquette,  by  keeping  in  a  part  of 
the  bay  where  the  water  was  not  sufficiently  deep  to 
admit  of  her  passage ;  and  that  its  movements 
were  so  guarded  as  to  denote  great  caution,  while 
there  was  an  evident  wish  to  draw  as  near  to 
the  cruiser  as  prudence  might  render  advisable. 
Taking  a  trumpet,  he  hailed  in  the  well-known 
and  customary  manner. 

The  answer  came  up  faintly  against  the  air, 
but  it  was  uttered  with  much  practice  in  the  im- 
plement, and  with  an  exceeding  compass  of  voice. 

"Ay,  ay!"  and  "a  parley  from  the  brigan- 
tine  ! "  were  the  only  words  that  were  distinctly 
audible. 

For  a  minute  or  two,  the  young  man  paced 
the  deck  in  silence.  Then  he  suddenly  command- 
ed the  only  boat  which  the  cruiser  now  possessed 
to  be  lowered  and  manned. 

"  Throw  an  ensign  into  the  stern-sheets,"  he 
said,  when  these  orders  were  executed ;  "  and  let 
there  be  arms  beneath  it.  We  will  keep  faith 
while  faith  is  observed,  but  there  are  reasons  for 
caution  in  this  interview." 

Trysail  was  directed  to  keep  the  ship  station- 
ary, and,  after  giving  to  his  subordinate  private 
instructions  of  importance  in  the  event  of  treach- 
ery, Ludlow  went  into  the  boat  in  person.  A 
very  few  minutes  sufficed  to  bring  the  jolly-boat 
and  the  stranger  so  near  each  other  that  the 
means  of  communication  were  both  easy  and  sure. 
The  men  of  the  former  were  then  commanded  to 
cease  rowing,  and,  raising  his  glass,  the  com- 
mander of  the  cruiser  took  a  more  certain  and 
minute  survey  of  those  who  awaited  his  coming. 
The  strange  boat  was  dancing  on  the  waves,  like 
a  light  shell  that  floated  so  buoyantly  as  scarce 
to  touch  the  element  which  sustained  it,  while  four 
athletic  seamen  leaned  on  the  oars  which  lay 
ready  to  urge  it  ahead.  In  the  stern-sheets  stood 
a  form  whose  attitude  and  mien  could  not  readi- 
ly be  mistaken.  In  the  admirable  steadiness  of 
the  figure,  the  folded  arms,  the  fine  and  manly 
proportions,  and  the  attire,  Ludlow  recognized 
the  mariner  of  the  India  shawl.  A  wave  of  the 
hand  induced  him  to  venture  nearer. 

"What  is  asked  of  the  royal  cruiser?"  de- 
manded the  captain  of  the  vessel  named,  when 
the  two  boats  were  as  near  each  other  as  seemed 
expedient. 

"  Confidence,"  was  the  calm  reply.  "  Come 
nearer,  Captain  Ludlow ;  I  am  here  with  naked 
hands  !  Our  conference  need  not  be  maintained 
with  trumpets." 


ARREST  OF  SEADRIFT. 


135 


Ashamed  that  a  boat  belonging  to  a  ship-of- 
war  should  betray  doubts,  the  people  of  the  yawl 
were  ordered  to  go  within  reach  of  the  oars. 

"  Well,  sir,  you  have  your  wish.  I  have  quit- 
ted my  ship,  and  come  to  the  parley,  with  the 
smallest  of  my  boats." 

"  It  is  unnecessary  to  say  what  has  been  done 
with  the  others ! "  returned  Tiller,  across  the 
firm  muscles  of  whose  face  there  passed  a  smile 
that  was  scarcely  perceptible.  "You  hunt  us 
hard,  sir,  and  give  but  little  rest  to  the  brigantine. 
But  again  are  you  foiled  !  " 

"We  have  a  harbinger  of  better  fortune  in  a 
lucky  blow  that  has  been  struck  to-night." 

"  You  are  understood,  sir ;  Master  Seadriffc 
has  fallen  into  the  hands  of  the  queen's  servants 
— but  take  good  heed  !  if  injury,  in  word  or  deed, 
befall  that  youth,  there  live  those  who  well  know 
how  to  resent  the  wrong !  " 

"  These  are  lofty  expressions  to  come  from  a 
proscribed  man ;  but  we  will  overlook  them  in 
the  motive.  Your  brigantine,  Master  Tiller,  lost 
its  master-spirit  in  the  '  Skimmer  of  the  Seas,'  and 
it  may  be  wise  to  listen  to  the  suggestions  of  mod- 
eration. If  you  are  disposed  to  treat,  I  am  here 
with  no  disposition  to  extort." 

"  We  meet  in  a  suitable  spirit,  then ;  for  I 
come  prepared  to  offer  terms  of  ransom  that 
Queen  Anne,  if  she  love  her  revenue,  need  not 
despise;  but,  as  in  duty  to  her  majesty,  I  will 
first  listen  to  her  royal  pleasure." 

"  First,  then,  as  a  seaman,  and  one  who  is  not 
ignorant  of  what  a  vessel  can  perform,  let  me  di- 
rect your  attention  to  the  situation  of  the  parties. 
I  am  certain  that  the  Water- Witch,  though  for 
the  moment  concealed  by  the  shadows  of  the  hills, 
or  favored,  perhaps,  by  distance  and  the  feeble- 
ness of  this  light,  is  in  the  waters  of  the  bay.  A 
force,  against  which  she  has  no  power  of  resist- 
ance, watches  the  inlet ;  you  see  the  cruiser  in 
readiness  to  meet  her  off  the  Hook.  My  boats 
are  so  stationed  as  to  preclude  the  possibility  of 
escape,  without  sufficient  notice,  by  the  northern 
channel ;  and,  in  short,  the  outlets  are  all  closed 
to  your  passage.  With  the  morning  light  we 
shall  know  your  position,  and  act  accordingly." 

"No  chart  can  show  the  dangers  of  rocks 
and  shoals  more  clearly! — and  to  avoid  these 
dangers — ?  " 

"Yield  the  brigantine  and  depart.  Though 
outlawed,  we  shall  content  ourselves  with  the  pos- 
session of  the  remarkable  vessel  in  which  you  do 
your  mischief,  and  hope  that,  deprived  of  the 
means  to  err,  you  will  return  to  better  courses." 

"With  the  prayers  of  the  Church  for  our 
amendment!    Now  listen,  Captain  Ludlow,  to 


what  I  offer.  You  have  the  person  of  one  much 
loved  by  all  who  follow  the  lady  of  the  sea-green 
mantle  in  your  power ;  and  we  have  a  brigantine 
that  does  much  injury  to  Queen  Anne's  supremacy 
in  the  waters  of  this  hemisphere — yield  you  the 
captive,  and  we  promise  to  quit  this  coast,  never 
to  return." 

"  This  were  a  worthy  treaty,  truly,  for  one 
whose  habitation  is  not  a  mad-house !  Relin- 
quish my  right  over  the  principle  doer  of  the 
evil,  and  receive  the  unsupported  pledge  of  a 
subordinate's  word  !  Your  happy  fortune,  Mas- 
ter Tiller,  has  troubled  your  reason.  What  I 
offer,  was  offered  because  I  would  not  drive  an 
unfortunate  and  remarkable  man  like  him  we 
have,  to  extremities,  and — there  may  be  other 
motives,  but  do  not  mistake  my  lenity.  Should 
force  become  necessary  to  put  your  vessel  into  our 
hands,  the  law  may  view  your  offences  with  a  still 
er  eye.  Deeds  which  the  lenity  of  our  sys- 
tem now  considers  as  venial,  may  easily  turn  to 
crime ! " 

"  I  ought  not  to  take  your  distrust  as  other 
than  excusable,"  returned  the  smuggler,  evident- 
ly suppressing  a  feeling  of  haughty  and  wounded 
pride.  "  The  word  of  a  free-trader  should  have 
little  weight  in  the  ears  of  a  queen's  officer.  We 
have  been  trained  in  different  schools,  and  the 
same  objects  are  seen  in  different  colors.  Your 
proposal  has  been  heard,  and,  with  some  thanks 
for  its  fair  intentions,  it  is  refused  without  a  hope 
of  acceptance.  Our  brigantine  is,  as  you  right- 
ly think,  a  remarkable  vessel!  Her  equal,  sir, 
for  beauty  or  speed,  floats  not  the  ocean.  By 
Heaven !  I  would  sooner  slight  the  smiles  of  the 
fairest  woman  that  walks  the  earth,  than  enter- 
tain a  thought  which  should  betray  the  interest 
I  feel  in  that  jewel  of  naval  skill !  You  have 
seen  her  at  many  times,  Captain  Ludlow — in 
squalls  and  calms ;  with  her  wings  abroad,  and 
her  pinions  shut ;  by  day  and  night ;  near  and 
far ;  fair  and  foul — and  I  ask  you,  with  a  sea- 
man's frankness,  is  she  not  a  toy  to  fill  a  seaman's 
heart  ?  " 

"  I  deny  not  the  vessel's  merits,  nor  her  beauty 
— 'tis  a  pity  she  bears  no  better  reputation." 

"  I  knew  you  could  not  withhold  this  praise  ! 
But  I  grow  childish  when  there  is  question  of 
that  brigantine !  Well,  sir,  each  has  been  heard, 
and  now  comes  the  conclusion.  I  part  with  the 
apple  of  my  eye,  ere  a  stick  of  that  lovely  fabric  is 
willingly  deserted  !  Shall  we  make  other  ransom 
for  the  youth  ? — What  think  you  of  a  pledge  in 
gold,  to  be  forfeited  should  we  forget  our  word  ?  " 

You  ask  impossibilities.  In  treating  thus  at 
all  I  quit  the  path  of  proud  authority,  because,  as 


harsh 


136 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


has  been  said,  there  is  that  about  the  '  Skimmer 
of  the  Seas  '  that  raises  him  above  the  coarse  herd 
who  in  common  traffic  against  the  law.  The  brig- 
antine  or  nothing  !  " 

"  My  life  before  that  brigantine !  Sir,  you 
forget  our  fortunes  are  protected  by  one  who 
laughs  at  the  efforts  of  your  fleet.  You  think 
that  we  are  enclosed,  and  that,  when  light  shall 
return,  there  will  remain  merely  the  easy  task 
to  place  your  iron-mounted  cruiser  on  our  beam, 
and  drive  us  to  seek  mercy.  Here  are  honest 
mariners  who  could  tell  you  of  the  hopelessness 
of  the  expedients.  The  Water-Witch  has  run 
the  gantlet  of  all  your  navies,  and  shot  has 
never  yet  defaced  her  beauty." 

"  And  yet  her  limbs  have  been  known  to  fall 
before  a  messenger  from  my  ship." 

"The  stick  wanted  the  commission  of  our 
mistress,"  interrupted  the  other,  glancing  his  eye 
at  the  credulous  and  attentive  crew  of  the  boat. 
"  In  a  thoughtless  moment,  'twas  taken  up  at  sea, 
and  fashioned  to  our  purpose  without  counsel 
from  the  book.  Nothing  that  touches  our  decks, 
under  fitting  advice,  comes  to  harm.  You  look 
incredulous,  and  it  is  in  character  to  seem  so. 
If  you  refuse  to  listen  to  the  lady  of  the  brigan- 
tine, at  least  lend  an  ear  to  your  own  laws.  Of 
what  offence  can  you  charge  Master  Seadrift,  that 
you  hold  him  captive  ?  " 

"  His  redoubted  name  of  '  Skimmer  of  the 
Seas '  were  warranty  to  force  him  from  a  sanc- 
tuary," returned  Ludlow,  smiling;  "Though 
proof  should  fail  of  any  immediate  crime,  there  is 
impunity  for  the  arrest,  since  the  law  refuses  to 
protect  him." 

"This  is  your  boasted  justice!  Rogues  in 
authority  combine  to  condemn  an  absent  and  a 
silent  man.  But  if  you  think  to  do  your  violence 
with  impunity,  know  there  are  those  who  take 
deep  interest  in  the  welfare  of  that  youth." 

"  This  is  foolish  bandying  of  menaces,"  said 
the  captain,  warmly.  "If  you  accept  my  offers, 
speak ;  and,  if  you  reject  them,  abide  the  conse- 
quences." 

"  I  abide  the  consequences.  But,  since  we 
cannot  come  to  terms,  as  victor  and  the  sub- 
mitting party,  we  may  part  in  amity.  Touch  my 
hand,  Captain  Ludlow,  as  one  brave  man  should 
salute  another,  though  the  next  minute  they  are 
to  grapple  at  the  throat." 

Ludlow  hesitated.  The  proposal  was  made 
with  so  frank  and  manly  a  mien,  and  the  air  of 
the  free-trader,  as  he  leaned  beyond  the  gunwale 
of  his  boat,  was  so  superior  to  his  pursuit,  that, 
unwilling  to  seem  churlish,  or  to  be  outdone  in 
courtesy,  he  reluctantly  consented,  and  laid  his 


palm  within  that  the  other  offered.  The  smuggler 
profited  by  the  junction  to  draw  the  boats  nearer, 
and,  to  the  amazement  of  all  who  witnessed  the 
action,  he  stepped  boldly  into  the  yawl,  and  was 
seated  face  to  face  with  its  officer  in  a  moment. 

"  These  are  matters  that  are  not  fit  for  every 
ear,"  said  the  decided  and  confident  mariner,  in  an 
undertone,  when  he  had  made  this  sudden  change 
in  the  position  of  the  parties.  "  Deal  with  me 
frankly,  Captain  Ludlow  :  is  your  prisoner  left  to 
brood  on  his  melancholy,  or  does  he  feel  the  con- 
solation of  knowing  that  others  take  an  interest 
in  his  welfare  ?  " 

"  He  does  not  want  for  sympathy,  Master  Til- 
ler, since  he  has  the  pity  of  the  finest  woman  in 
America." 

"  Ha  !  la  belle  Barberie  owns  her  esteem ! — 
is  the  conjecture  right  ?  " 

"  Unhappily,  you  are  too  near  the  truth.  The 
infatuated  girl  seems  but  to  live  in  his  presence. 
She  has  so  far  forgotten  the  opinions  of  others, 
as  to  follow  him  to  my  ship." 

Tiller  listened  intently ;  from  that  instant  all 
concern  disappeared  from  his  countenance. 

"  He  who  is  thus  favored  may,  for  a  moment, 
even  forget  the  brigantine  !  "  he  exclaimed,  with 
his  natural  recklessness  of  air.  "  And  the  alder- 
man ?— " 

"  Has  more  discretion  than  his  niece,  since  he 
did  not  permit  her  to  come  alone." 

"  Enough.  Captain  Ludlow,  let  what  will  fol- 
low, we  part  as  friends.  Fear  not,  sir,  to  touch 
the  hand  of  a  proscribed  man  again;  it  is  honest 
after  its  own  fashion,  and  many  is  the  peer  and 
prince  who  keeps  not  so  clean  a  palm.  Deal  ten- 
derly with  that  gay  and  rash  young  sailor;  he 
wants  the  discretion  of  an  older  head,  but  the 
heart  is  kindness  itself.  I  would  hazard  life  to 
shelter  his,  but  at  every  hazard  the  brigantine 
must  be  saved.  Adieu." 

There  was  emotion  in  the  voice  of  the  mari- 
ner of  the  shawl,  notwithstanding  his  high  bear- 
ing. Squeezing  the  hand  of  Ludlow,  he  passed 
back  into  his  own  barge,  with  the  ease  and  stead- 
iness of  one  who  made  the  ocean  his  home. 

"Adieu!"  he  repeated,  signing  to  his  men 
to  pull  in  the  direction  of  the  shoals,  where  it 
was  certain  the  ship  could  not  follow.  "  We  may 
meet  again ;  until  then,  adieu." 

"  We  are  sure  to  meet  with  the  return  of 
light." 

"  Believe  it  not,  brave  gentleman.  Our  lady 
will  thrust  the  spars  under  her  girdle,  and  pass 
a  fleet  unseen.  A  sailor's  blessing  on  you ;  fair 
winds  and  a  plenty ;  a  safe  landfall,  and  a  cheer- 
ful home  !   Deal  kindly  by  the  boy ;  and,  in  all 


MR.  CARNABY. 


137 


but  evil  wishes  to  my  vessel,  success  light  on  your 
ensign  ! " 

The  seamen  of  both  boats  dashed  their  oars 
into  the  water  at  the  same  instant,  and  the  two 
parties  were  quickly  without  the  hearing  of  the 
voice. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

"Did  I  tell  this, 
Who  would  believe  me  ?  " 

Meastxee  foe  Measuee. 

The  time  of  the  interview,  related  in  the 
close  of  the  preceding  chapter,  was  in  the  early 
watches  of  the  night.  It  now  becomes  our  duty 
to  transport  the  reader  to  another,  that  had  place 
several  hours  later,  and  after  day  had  dawned  on 
the  industrious  burghers  of  Manhattan. 

There  stood  near  one  of  the  wooden  wharves, 
which  lined  the  arm  of  the  sea  on  which  the  city  is 
so  happily  placed,  a  dwelling,  around  which  there 
was  every  sign  that  its  owner  was  engaged  in  a 
retail  commerce  that  was  active  and  thriving  for 
that  age  and  country.  Notwithstanding  the  ear- 
liness  of  the  hour,  the  windows  of  this  house 
were  open ;  and  an  individual,  of  a  busy-looking 
face,  thrust  his  head  so  often  from  one  of  the 
casements  as  to  show  that  he  already  expected 
the  appearance  of  a  second  party  in  the  affair 
that  had  probably  called  him  from  his  bed  even 
sooner  than  common.  A  tremendous  rap  at  the 
door  relieved  his  visible  uneasiness  ;  and,  hasten- 
ing to  open  it,  he  received  his  visitor  with  much 
parade  of  ceremony,  and  many  protestations  of 
respect,  in  person. 

"  This  is  an  honor,  my  lord,  that  does  not  of- 
ten befall  men  of  my  humble  condition,"  said  the 
master  of  the  house,  in  the  flippant  utterance  of  a 
vulgar  cockney ;  "  but  I  thought  it  would  be  more 
agreeable  to  your  lordship  to  receive  the  a — a — 
here,  than  in  the  place  where  yoUr  lordship  just 
at  this  moment  resides.  Will  your  lordship  please 
to  rest  yourself,  after  your  lordship's  walk  ?  " 

"  I  thank  you,  Carnaby,"  returned  the  other, 
taking  the  offered  seat  with  an  air  of  easy  supe- 
riority. "  You  judge  with  your  usual  discretion, 
as  respects  the  place,  though  I  doubt  the  pru- 
dence of  seeing  him  at  all.    Has  the  man  come  ?  " 

"  Doubtless,  my  lord ;  he  would  hardly  pre- 
sume to  keep  your  lordship  waiting,  and  much 
less  would  I  countenance  him  in  so  gross  a  disre- 
spect. He  will  be  most  happy  to  wait  on  you, 
my  lord,  whenever  your  lordship  shall  please." 

"  Let  him  wait :  there  is  no  necessity  for 
haste.   He  has  probably  communicated  some  of 


the  objects  of  this  extraordinary  call  on  my  time, 
Carnaby ;  and  you  can  break  them  in  the  interven- 
ing moments." 

"  I  am  sorry  to  say,  my  lord,  that  the  fellow  is 
as  obstinate  as  a  mule.  I  felt  the  impropriety  of 
introducing  him  personally  to  your  lordship  ;  but 
as  he  insisted  he  had  affairs  that  would  deeply  in- 
terest you,  my  lord,  I  could  not  take  upon  me  to 
say  what  would  be  agreeable  to  your  lordship,  or 
what  not ;  and  so  I  was  bold  enough  to  write  the 
note." 

"  And  a  very  properly-expressed  note  it  was, 
Master  Carnaby.  I  have  not  received  a  better- 
worded  communication  since  my  arrival  in  this 
colony." 

"  I  am  sure  the  approbation  of  your  lordship 
might  justly  make  any  man  proud  !  It  is  the  am- 
bition of  my  life,  my  lord,  to  do  the  duties  of  my 
station  in  a  proper  manner,  and  to  treat  all  above 
me  with  a  suitable  respect,  my  lord,  and  all  below 
me  as  in  reason  bound.  If  I  might  presume  to 
think  in  such  a  matter,  my  lord,  I  should  say  that 
these  colonists  are  no  great  judges  of  propriety 
in  their  correspondence,  or  indeed  in  any  thing 
else." 

The  noble  visitor  shrugged  his  shoulder,  and 
threw  an  expression  into  his  look  that  encouraged 
the  retailer  to  proceed. 

"  It  is  just  what  I  think  myself,  my  lord,"  he 
continued,  simpering ;  "  but  then,"  he  added, 
with  a  condoling  and  patronizing  air,  "  how  should 
they  know  any  better  ?  England  is  but  an  island, 
after  all ;  and  the  whole  world  cannot  be  born 
and  educated  on  the  same  bit  of  earth." 

"  'Twould  be  inconvenient,  Carnaby,  if  it  led 
to  no  other  unpleasant  consequence." 

"  Almost  word  for  word  what  I  said  to  Mrs. 
Carnaby  myself,  no  later  than  yesterday,  ray  lord, 
only  vastly  better  expressed.  '  'Twould  be  incon- 
venient,' said  1, 1  Mrs.  Carnaby,  to  take  in  the  other 
lodger,  for  everybody  cannot  live  in  the  same 
house ; '  which  covers  as  it  were,  the  ground  taken 
in  your  lordship's  sentiment.  I  ought  to  add,  in 
behalf  of  the  poor  woman,  that  she  expressed  on 
the  same  occasion  strong  regrets  that  it  is  report- 
ed your  lordship  will  be  likely  to  quit  us  soon,  on 
your  return  to  old  England." 

"  That  is  really  a  subject  on  which  there  is 
more  cause  to  rejoice  than  to  weep.  This  impris- 
oning, or  placing  within  limits,  so  near  a  relative 
of  the  crown,  is  an  affair  that  must  have  unpleas- 
ant consequences,  and  which  offends  sadly  against 
propriety." 

"  It  is  awful,  my  lord  !  If  it  be  not  sacrilege 
by  the  law,  the  greater  the  shame  of  the  opposi- 
tion in  Parliament,  who  defeat  so  many  other 


138 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


wholesome  regulations  intended  for  the  good  of 
the  subject." 

"  Faith,  I  am  not  sure  I  may  not  be  driven  to 
join  them  myself,  bad  as  they  are,  Carnaby ;  for 
this  neglect  of  ministers,  not  to  call  it  by  a  worse 
name,  might  goad  a  man  to  a  more  heinous  meas- 
ure." 

"  I  am  sure  nobody  could  blame  your  lordship, 
were  your  lordship  to  join  anybody,  or  any  thing, 
but  the  French  !  I  have  often  told  Mrs.  Carnaby 
as  much  as  that  in  our  frequent  conversations 
concerning  the  unpleasant  situation  in  which  your 
lordship  is  just  now  placed." 

"  I  had  not  thought  the  awkward  transaction 
attracted  so  much  notice,"  observed  the  other, 
evidently  wincing  under  the  allusion. 

"  It  attracts  it  only  in  a  proper  and  respect- 
ful way,  my  lord.  Neither  Mrs.  Carnaby  nor  my- 
self ever  indulges  in  any  of  these  remarks,  but  in 
the  most  proper  and  truly  English  manner." 

"  The  reservation  might  palliate  a  greater  er- 
ror. That  word  proper  is  a  prudent  term,  and 
expresses  all  one  could  wish.  I  had  not  thought 
you  so  intelligent  and  shrewd  a  man,  Master  Car- 
naby :  clever  in  the  way  of  business,  I  always 
knew  you  to  be ;  but  so  apt  in  reason,  and  so  ma- 
tured in  principle,  is  what  I  will  confess  I  had 
not  expected.  Can  you  form  no  conjecture  of  the 
business  of  this  man  ?  " 

"  Not  in  the  least,  my  lord.  I  pressed  the  im- 
propriety of  a  personal  interview ;  for,  though  he 
alluded  to  some  business  or  other,  I  scarcely  know 
what,  with  which  he  appeared  to  think  your  lord- 
ship had  some  connection,  I  did  not  understand 
him,  and  we  had  like  to  have  parted  without  an 
explanation." 

"  I  will  not  see  the  fellow." 

"Just  as  your  lordship  pleases — I  am  sure 
that,  after  so  many  little  affairs  have  passed 
through  my  hands,  I  might  be  safely  trusted  with 
this ;  and  I  said  as  much — but  as  he  positively 
refused  to  make  me  an  agent,  and  he  insisted 
that  it  was  so  much  to  your  lordship's  interest — 
why  I  thought,  my  lord,  that  perhaps — just 
now — " 

"Show  him  in." 

Carnaby  bowed  low  and  submissively,  and,  af- 
ter busying  himself  in  placing  the  chairs  aside, 
and  adjusting  the  table  more  conveniently  for  the 
elbow  of  his  guest,  he  left  the  room. 

"Where  is  the  man  I  bid  you  keep  in  the 
shop  ?  "  demanded  the  retailer,  in  a  coarse,  au- 
thoritative voice,  when  without,  addressing  a 
meek  and  humble-looking  lad  who  did  the  duty 
of  clerk.  "  I  warrant  me  he  is  left  in  the  kitchen, 
and  you  have  been  idling  about  on  the  walk !  A 


more  heedless  and  unattentive  lad  than  yourself 
is  not  to  be  found  in  America,  and  the  sun  never 
rises  but  I  repent  having  signed  your  indentures. 
You  shall  pay  for  this,  you — " 

The  appearance  of  the  person  he  sought  cut 
short  the  denunciations  of  the  obsequious  grocer 
and  the  domestic  tyrant.  He  opened  the  door, 
and,  having  again  closed  it,  left  his  two  visitors 
together. 

Though  the  degenerate  descendant  of  the 
great  Clarendon  had  not  hesitated  to  lend  his 
office  to  cloak  the  irregular  and  unlawful  trade 
that  was  then  so  prevalent  in  the  American  seas, 
he  had  paid  the  sickly  but  customary  deference 
to  virtue,  of  refusing  on  all  occasions  to  treat  per- 
sonally with  its  agents.  Sheltered  behind  his 
official  and  personal  rank,  he  had  soothed  his 
feelings  by  tacitly  believing  that  cupidity  is  less 
venial  when  its  avenues  are  hidden ;  and  that,  in 
protecting  his  station  from  an  immediate  contact 
with  its  ministers,  he  had  discharged  an  important, 
and,  for  one  in  his  situation,  an  imperative  duty. 
Unequal  to  the  exercise  of  virtue  itself,  he  thought 
he  had  done  enough  in  preserving  some  of  its 
seemliness.  Though  far  from  paying  even  this 
slight  homage  to  decency,  in  his  more  ordinary 
habits,  his  pride  of  rank  had,  on  the  subject  of 
so  coarse  a  failing,  induced  him  to  maintain  an 
appearance  which  his  pride  of  character  would 
not  have  suggested.  Carnaby  was  much  the 
most  degraded,  and  the  lowest  of  those  with 
whom  he  ever  condescended  to  communicate  di- 
rectly ;  and,  even  with  him,  there  might  have 
been  some  scruple,  had  not  his  necessities  caused 
him  to  stoop  so  far  as  to  accept  pecuniary  assist- 
ance from  one  he  both  despised  and  detested. 

When  the  door  opened,  therefore,  the  Lord 
Cornbury  rose,  and,  determined  to  bring  the  in- 
terview to  a  speedy  issue,  he  turned  to  face  the 
individual  who  entered  with  a  mien  into  which  he 
threw  all  the  distance  and  hauteur  that  he  thought 
necessary  for  such  an  object.  But  he  encoun- 
tered in  the  mariner  of  the  India  shawl  a  very 
different  man  from  the  flattering  and  obsequious 
grocer  who  had  just  quitted  him.  Eye  met  eye, 
his  gaze  of  authority  receiving  a  look  as  steady 
if  not  as  curious  as  his  own.  It  was  evident  by 
the  composure  of  the  fine,  manly  frame  he  saw, 
that  its  owner  rested  his  claims  on  the  aristocra- 
cy of  Nature.  The  noble  forgot  his  acting  under 
the  influence  of  surprise,  and  his  voice  expressed 
as  much  of  admiration  as  command,  when  he  said  : 

"  This,  then,  is  the  '  Skimmer  of  the  Seas ! '  " 

"  Men  call  me  thus :  if  a  life  passed  on  oceans 
gives  a  claim  to  the  title,  it  has  been  fairly 
earned." 


MASTER  SKIMMER  AND  LORD  CORNBURY. 


139 


"  Your  character — I  may  say  that  some  por- 
tions of  your  history — are  not  unknown  to  me. 
Poor  Carnaby,  who  is  a  worthy  and  an  industrious 
man,  with  a  growing  family  dependent  on  his  ex- 
ertions, has  entreated  me  to  receive  you,  or  there 
might  be  less  apology  for  this  step  than  I  could 
wish.  Men  of  a  certain  rank,  Master  Skimmer, 
owe  so  much  to  their  station  that  I  rely  on  your  dis- 
cretion." 

"  I  have  stood  in  nobler  presences,  my  lord,  and 
found  so  little  change  by  the  honor  that  I  am  not 
apt  to  boast  of  what  I  see.  Some  of  princely  rank 
have  found  their  profit  in  my  acquaintance." 

"  I  do  not  deny  your  usefulness,  sir  ;  it  is  on- 
ly the  necessity  of  prudence,  I  would  urge.  There 
has  been,  I  believe,  some  sort  of  implied  contract 
between  us — at  least  so  Carnaby  explains  the 
transaction,  for  I  rarely  enter  into  these  details 
myself — by  which  you  may  perhaps  feel  some 
right  to  include  me  in  the  list  of  your  custom- 
ers. Men  in  high  places  must  respect  the  laws, 
yet  it  is  not  always  convenient,  or  even  use- 
ful, that  they  should  deny  themselves  every  in- 
dulgence which  policy  would  prohibit  to  the  mass. 
One  who  has  seen  as  much  of  life  as  yourself 
needs  no  explanations  on  this  head ;  and  I  can- 
not doubt  but  our  present  interview  will  have  a 
satisfactory  termination." 

The  Skimmer  scarce  deemed  it  necessary  to 
conceal  the  contempt  that  caused  his  lip  to  curl, 
while  the  other  was  endeavoring  to  mystify  his 
cupidity  ;  when  the  speaker  was  done,  he  merely 
expressed  an  assent  by  a  slight  inclination  of  the 
head.  The  ex-governor  saw  that  his  attempt  was 
fruitless,  and,  by  relinquishing  his  masquerade, 
and  yielding  more  to  his  natural  propensities  and 
tastes,  he  succeeded  better. 

"  Carnaby  has  been  a  faithful  agent,"  he  con- 
tinued, "  and,  by  his  reports,  it  would  seem  that 
our  confidence  has  not  been  misplaced.  If  fame 
speaks  true,  there  is  not  a  more  dexterous  navi- 
gator of  the  narrow  seas  than  thyself,  Master 
Skimmer.  It  is  to  be  supposed  that  your  corre- 
spondents on  this  coast,  too,  are  as  lucrative  as  I 
doubt  not  they  are  numerous." 

"  He  who  sells  cheap  can  never  want  a  pur- 
chaser. I  think  your  lordship  has  no  reason  to 
complain  of  prices." 

"  As  pointed  as  his  compass  !— Well,  sir,  as  I 
am  no  longer  master  here,  may  I  ask  the  object 
of  this  interview  ?  " 

"  I  have  come  to  seek  your  interest  in  behalf 
of  one  who  has  fallen  into  the  grasp  of  the  queen's 
officers." 

"  Hum  —  the  amount  of  which  is,  that  the 
cruiser  in  the  bay  has  entrapped  some  careless 


smuggler.  We  are  none  of  us  immortal,  and  an  ar- 
rest is  but  a  legal  death  to  men  of  your  persuasion 
in  commerce.  Interest  is  a  word  of  many  mean- 
ings. It  is  the  interest  of  one  man  to  lend,  and 
of  another  to  borrow  ;  of  the  creditor  to  receive, 
and  of  the  debtor  to  avoid  payment.  Then  there 
is  interest  at  court,  and  interest  in  court — in 
short,  you  must  deal  more  frankly,  ere  I  can  de- 
cide on  the  purport  of  your  visit." 

"  I  am  not  ignorant  that  the  queen  has  been 
pleased  to  name  another  governor  over  this  colony, 
or  that  your  creditors,  my  lord,  have  thought  it 
prudent  to  take  a  pledge  for  their  dues,  in  your 
person.  Still  I  must  think  that  one  who  stands 
so  near  the  queen  in  blood,  and  who  sooner  or  later 
must  enjoy  both  rank  and  fortune  in  the  mother- 
country,  will  not  solicit  so  slight  a  boon  as  that  I 
ask  without  success.  This  is  the  reason  I  prefer  to 
treat  with  you." 

"As  clear  an  explanation  as  the  shrewdest 
casuist  could  desire !  I  admire  your  succinct- 
ness, Master  Skimmer,  and  confess  you  for  the 
pink  of  etiquette.  When  your  fortune  shall 
be  made,  I  recommend  the  court  circle  as  your 
place  of  retirement.  Governors,  creditors,  queen, 
and  imprisonment,  all  as  compactly  placed  in  the 
same  sentence,  as  if  it  were  the  creed  written  on 
a  thumb-nail !  Well,  sir,  we  will  suppose  my  in- 
terest what  you  wish  it. — Who  and  what  is  the 
delinquent  ?  " 

"  One  named  Seadriffc — a  useful  and  a  pleas- 
ant youth,  who  passes  much  between  me  and  my 
customers;  heedless  and  merry  in  his  humors, 
but  dear  to  all  in  my  brigantine,  because  of  tried 
fidelity  and  shrewd  wit.  We  could  sacrifice  the 
profits  of  the  voyage  that  he  were  free.  To  me 
he  is  a  necessary  agent,  for  his  skill  in  the  judg- 
ment of  rich  tissues,  and  other  luxuries  that  com- 
pose my  traffic,  is  exceeding  ;  and  I  am  better 
fitted  to  guide  the  vessel  to  her  haven,  and  to 
look  to  her  safety  amid  shoals  and  in  tempests, 
than  to  deal  in  these  trifles  of  female  vanity." 

"  So  dexterous  a  go-between  should  not  have 
mistaken  a  tide-waiter  for  a  customer — how  be- 
fell the  accident?" 

"He  met  the  barge  of  the  Coquette  at  an 
unlucky  moment,  and  as  we  had  so  lately  been 
chased  off  the  coast  by  the  cruiser,  there  was  no 
choice  but  to  arrest  him." 

"  The  dilemma  is  not  without  embarrassment. 
When  once  his  mind  is  settled,  it  is  no  trifle  that 
will  amuse  this  Mr.  Ludlow.  I  do  not  know  a  more 
literal  constructor  of  his  orders — a  man,  sir,  who 
thinks  words  have  but  a  single  set  of  meanings, 
and  who  knows  as  little  as  can  be  imagined  of  the 
difference  between  a  sentiment  and  a  practice." 


140 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


"  He  is  a  seaman,  my  lord,  and  he  reads  his 
instructions  with  a  seaman's  simplicity.  I  think 
none  the  worse  of  him,  that  he  cannot  be  tempted 
from  his  duty;  for,  let  us  understand  the  right 
as  we  will,  our  service  once  taken,  it  becomes  us 
all  to  do  it  faithfully." 

A  small  red  spot  came  and  went  on  the  cheek 
of  the  profligate  Cornbury.  Ashamed  of  his 
weakness,  he  affected  to  laugh  at  what  he  had 
heard,  and  continued  the  discourse. 

"  Your  forbearance  and  charity  might  adorn 
a  churchman,  Master  Skimmer ! "  he  answered. 
"Nothing  can  be  more  true,  for  this  is  an  age 
of  moral  truths,  as  witness  the  Protestant  suc- 
cession. Men  are  now  expected  to  perform,  and 
not  to  profess.  Is  the  fellow  of  such  useful- 
ness that  he  may  not  be  abandoned  to  his 
fate  ?  " 

"  Much  as  I  dote  on  my  brigantine,  and  few 
men  set  their  affections  on  woman  with  a  stronger 
love,  I  would  see  the  beauteous  craft  degenerate 
to  a  cutter  for  the  queen's  revenue,  before  I 
would  entertain  the  thought !  But  I  will  not  an- 
ticipate a  long  and  painful  imprisonment  for  the 
youth,  since  those  who  are  not  altogether  power- 
less already  take  a  deep  and  friendly  concern  in 
his  safety." 

"  You  have  overcome  the  brigadier !  "  cried 
the  other,  in  a  burst  of  exultation,  that  conquered 
the  little  reserve  of  manner  he  had  thought  it 
necessary  to  maintain ;  "  that  immaculate  and 
reforming  representative  of-  my  royal  cousin  has 
bitten  of  the  golden  bait,  and  proves  a  true  colony 
governor  after  all ! " 

"  Lord  viscount,  no.  What  we  have  to  bope 
or  what  we  have  to  fear  from  your  successor,  is 
to  me  a  secret." 

"  Ply  him  with  promises,  Master  Skimmer — 
set  golden  hopes  before  his  imagination  ;  set  gold 
itself  before  his  eyes,  and  you  will  prosper.  I 
will  pledge  my  expected  earldom  that  he  yields  ! 
Sir,  these  distant  situations  are  like  so  many  half- 
authorized  mints,  in  which  money  is  to  be  coined ; 
and  the  only  counterfeit  is  your  mimic  represent- 
ative of  majesty.  Ply  him  with  golden  hopes ; 
if  mortal,  he  will  yield  !  " 

"Yet,  my  lord,  I  have  met  men  who  preferred 
poverty  and  their  opinions,  to  gold  and  the  wishes 
of  others." 

"  The  dolts  were  lusus  nahirce  !  "  exclaimed 
the  dissolute  Cornbury,  losing  all  reserve  in  a 
manner  that  better  suited  his  known  and  con- 
firmed character.  "  You  should  have  caged  them, 
Skimmer,  and  profited  by  their  dulness  to  lay  the 
curious  under  contribution.  Don't  mistake  me, 
sir,  if  I  speak  a  little  in  confidence.    I  hope  I 


know  the  difference  between  a  gentleman  and  a 
leveller,  as  well  as  another ;  but,  trust  me,  this  Mr. 
Hunter  is  human,  and  he  will  yield  if  proper  ap- 
pliances are  used — and  you  expect  from  me —  ?  " 

"  The  exercise  of  that  influence  which  cannot 
fail  of  success  ;  since  there  is  a  courtesy  between 
men  of  a  certain  station,  which  causes  them  to 
overlook  rivalry,  in  the  spirit  of  their  caste.  The 
cousin  of  Queen  Anne  can  yet  obtain  the  liberty 
of  one  whose  heaviest  crime  is  a  free  trade,  though 
he  may  not  be  able  to  keep  his  own  seat  in  the 
chair  of  the  government." 

"  Thus  far,  indeed,  my  poor  influence  may  yet 
extend,  provided  the  fellow  be  not  named  in  any 
act  of  outlawry.  I  would  gladly  enough,  Mr. 
Skimmer,  end  my  deeds  in  this  hemisphere,  with 
some  act  of  graceful  mercy,  if— indeed— I  saw — 
the  means — " 

"  They  shall  not  be  wanting.  I  know  the  law 
is  like  any  other  article  of  great  price ;  some 
think  that  Justice  holds  the  balance,  in  order  to 
weigh  her  fees.  Though  the  profits  of  this  haz- 
ardous and  sleepless  trade  of  mine  be  much  over- 
rated, I  would  gladly  line  her  scales  with  two 
hundred  broad  pieces,  to  have  that  youth  again 
safe  in  the  cabin  of  the  brigantine." 

As  the  "  Skimmer  of  the  Seas  "  thus  spoke,  he 
drew,  with  the  calmness  of  a  man  who  saw  no  use 
in  circumlocution,  a  heavy  bag  of  gold  from  be- 
neath his  frock,  and  deposited  it,  without  a  second 
look  at  the  treasure,  on  the  table.  When  this 
offering  was  made,  he  turned  aside,  less  by  de- 
sign than  by  a  careless  movement  of  the  body, 
and,  when  he  faced  his  companion  again,  the  bag 
had  vanished. 

"  Your  affection  for  the  lad  is  touching,  Mas- 
ter Skimmer,"  returned  the  corrupt  Cornbury ; 
"  it  were  a  pity  such  friendship  should  be  wasted. 
Will  there  be  proof  to  insure  his  condemnation  ?  " 

"  It  may  be  doubted.  His  dealings  have  only 
been  with  the  higher  class  of  my  customers,  and 
with  but  few  of  them.  The  care  I  now  take  is 
more  in  tenderness  to  the  youth,  than  with  any 
great  doubts  of  the  result.  I  shall  count  you, 
my  lord,  among  his  protectors,  in  the  event  that 
the  affair  is  noised  ! " 

"  I  owe  it  to  your  frankness — but  will  Mr. 
Ludlow  content  himself  with  the  possession  of 
an  inferior,  when  the  principal  is  so  near  ?  and 
shall  we  not  have  a  confiscation  of  the  brigantine 
on  our hands ? " 

"  I  charge  myself  with  the  care  of  all  else. 
There  was  indeed  a  lucky  escape  only  the  last 
night,  as  we  lay  at  a  light  kedge,  waiting  for  the 
return  of  him  who  has  been  arrested.  Profiting 
by  the  possession  of  our  skiff,  the  commander  of 


APPROACHING  DANGER. 


141 


the  Coquette  himself  got  within  the  sweep  of  my 
hawse — nay,  he  was  in  the  act  of  cutting  the  very 
fastenings,  when  the  dangerous  design  was  dis- 
covered. 'T  would  have  been  a  fate  unworthy  of 
the  "Water- Witch,  to  be  cast  on  shore  like  a  drift- 
ing log,  and  to  check  her  noble  career  by  some 
such  a  seizure  as  that  of  a  stranded  waif !  " 

"  You  avoided  the  mischance  ?  " 

"  My  eyes  are  seldom  shut,  lord  viscount, 
when  there  is  danger.  The  skiff  was  seen  in 
time,  and  watched  ;  for  I  knew  that  one  in  whom 
I  trusted  was  abroad.  When  the  movement  grew 
suspicious,  we  had  our  means  of  frightening  this 
Mr.  Ludlow  from  his  enterprise,  without  recourse 
to  violence." 

"  I  had  not  thought  him  one  to  be  scared 
from  following  up  a  business  like  this." 

"  You  judged  him  rightly — I  may  say  we 
judged  him  rightly.  But  when  his  boats  sought 
us  at  our  anchorage,  the  bird  had  flown." 

"  You  got  the  brigantine  to  sea  in  season  ?  " 
observed  Cornbury,  not  sorry  to  believe  that  the 
vessel  was  already  off  the  coast. 

"  I  had  other  business.  My  agent  could  not 
be  thus  deserted,  and  there  were  affairs  to  finish 
in  the  city.    Our  course  lay  up  the  bay." 

"  Ha  !  Master  Skimmer,  'twas  a  bold  step,  and 
one  that  says  little  for  your  discretion ! " 

"  Lord  viscount,  there  is  safety  in  courage," 
calmly  and  perhaps  ironically  returned  the  other. 
"  While  the  queen's  captain  closed  all  the  outlets, 
my  little  craft  was  floating  quietly  under  the  hills 
of  Staten.  Before  the  morning  watch  was  set, 
she  passed  these  wharves ;  and  she  now  awaits 
her  captain  in  the  broad  basin  that  lies  beyond 
the  bend  of  yonder  headland." 

"  This  is  foolhardiness.  A  failure  of  wind,  a 
change  of  tide,  or  any  of  the  mishaps  common 
to  the  sea,  may  throw  you  on  the  mercy  of  the 
law,  and  will  greatly  embarrass  all  who  feel  an  in- 
terest in  your  safety." 

"So  far  as  this  apprehension  is  connected 
with  my  welfare,  I  thank  you  much,  my  lord ; 
but,  trust  me,  many  hazards  have  left  me  but  lit- 
tle to  learn  in  this  particular.  We  shall  run  the 
Hell-Gate,  and  gain  the  open  sea  by  the  Con- 
necticut Sound." 

"Truly,  Master  Skimmer,  one  has  need  of 
nerves  to  be  your  confidant !  Faith  in  a  compact 
constitutes  the  beauty  of  social  order;  without 
it  there  is  no  security  for  interests,  nor  any  re- 
pose for  character.  But  faith  may  be  implied 
a3  well  as  expressed ;  and  when  men  in  certain 
situations  place  their  dependence  on  others  who 
should  have  motives  for  being  wary,  the  first  are 
bound  to  respect,  even  to  the  details  of  a  most 


scrupulous  construction,  the  conditions  of  the 
covenant.  Sir,  I  wash  my  hands  of  this  transac- 
tion, if  it  be  understood  that  testimony  is  to  be 
accumulated  against  us,  by  thus  putting  your 
Water-Witch  in  danger  of  trial  before  the  Ad- 
miralty." 

"  I  am  sorry  that  this  is  your  decision,"  re- 
turned the  Skimmer.  "  What  is  done  cannot  be 
recalled,  though  I  still  hope  it  may  be  remedied. 
My  brigantine  now  lies  within  a  league  of  this, 
and  'twould  be  treachery  to  deny  it.  Since  it  is 
your  opinion,  my  lord,  that  our  contract  is  not 
valid,  there  is  little  use  in  its  seal — the  broad 
pieces  may  still  be  serviceable  in  shielding  that 
youth  from  harm." 

"  You  are  as  literal  in  constructions,  Master 
Skimmer,  as  a  school-boy's  version  of  his  Yirgil. 
There  is  an  idiom  in  diplomacy,  as  well  as  in  lan- 
guage, and  one  who  treats  so  sensibly  should  not  be 
ignorant  of  its  phrases.  Bless  me,  sir;  an  hy- 
pothesis is  not  a  conclusion,  any  more  than  a 
promise  is  a  performance.  That  which  is  ad- 
vanced by  way  of  supposition,  is  but  the  orna- 
ment of  reasoning,  while  your  gold  has  the 
more  solid  character  of  demonstration.  Our 
bargain  is  made." 

The  unsophisticated  mariner  regarded  the 
noble  casuist  a  moment,  in  doubt  whether  to  ac- 
quiesce in  this  conclusion  or  not ;  but,  ere  he  had 
decided  on  his  course,  the  windows  of  the  room 
were  shaken  violently,  and  the  heavy  roar  of  a 
piece  of  ordnance  succeeded. 

"The  morning  gun!"  exclaimed  Cornbury, 
who  started  at  the  explosion,  with  the  sensitive- 
ness of  one  unworthily  employed.  "  No  !  'tis  an 
hour  past  the  rising  of  the  sun !  " 

The  Skimmer  showed  no  yielding  of  the 
nerves,  though  it  was  evident,  by  his  attitude  of 
thought  and  the  momentary  fixedness  of  his  eye, 
that  he  foresaw  danger  was  near.  Moving  to  the 
window,  he  looked  out  on  the  water,  and  instant- 
ly drew  back,  like  one  who  wanted  no  further 
evidence. 

"  Our  bargain  then  is  made,"  he  said,  hastily 
approaching  the  viscount,  whose  hand  he  seized 
and  wrung  in  spite  of  the  other's  obvious  reluc- 
tance to  allow  the  familiarity ;  "  our  bargain  then 
is  made.  Deal  fairly  by  the  youth,  and  the  deed 
will  be  remembered — deal  treacherously,  and  it 
shall  be  revenged ! " 

For  one  instant  longer  the  Skimmer  held  the 
member  of  the  effeminate  Cornbury  imprisoned ; 
then,  raising  his  cap  with  a  courtesy  that  appeared 
more  in  deference  to  himself  than  his  companion, 
he  turned  on  his  heel,  and  with  a  firm  but  quick 
step  he  left  the  house. 


142 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


Carnaby,  who  entered  on  the  instant,  found 
his  guest  in  a  state  between  resentment,  surprise, 
and  alarm.  But  habitual  levity  soon  conquered 
other  feelings,  and,  finding  himself  freed  from 
the  presence  of  a  man  who  had  treated  him  with 
so  little  ceremony,  the  ex-governor  shook  his 
head,  like  one  accustomed  to  submit  to  evils  he 
could  not  obviate,  and  assumed  the  ease  and  in- 
solent superiority  he  was  accustomed  to  maintain 
in  the  presence  of  the  obsequious  grocer. 

"  This  may  be  a  coral  or  a  pearl,  or  any  other 
precious  gem  of  the  ocean,  Master  Carnaby,"  he 
said,  unconscious  himself  that  he  was  in  a  man- 
ner endeavoring  to  cleanse  his  violated  hand  from 
the  touch  it  had  endured,  by  the  use  of  his  hand- 
kerchief, "  but  it  is  one  on  which  the  salt  water 
hath  left  its  crust.  Truly  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  I 
am  never  again  to  be  blockaded  by  such  a  monster, 
or  I  may  better  say,  harpooned  ;  for  the  familiarity 
cf  the  boatswain  is  more  painful  than  any  inven- 
tions of  his  brethren  of  the  deep  can  prove  to 
their  relative  the  leviathan.  Has  the  clock  told 
the  hour !  " 

"'Tis  not  yet  six,  my  lord,  and  there  is 
abundant  leisure  for  your  lordship  to  return  in 
season  to  your  lordship's  lodgings.  Mrs.  Camaby 
has  dared  to  flatter  herself  that  your  lordship 
will  condescend  to  honor  us  so  far  as  to  taste  a 
dish  of  bohea  under  our  humble  roof." 

"  What  is  the  meaning  of  that  gun,  Master 
Carnaby  ?  It  gave  the  alarm  to  the  smuggler,  as 
if  it  had  been  a  summons  from  Execution  Dock, 
or  a  groan  from  the  ghost  of  Eidd." 

"  I  never  presumed  to  think,  my  lord.  I  sup- 
pose it  to  be  some  pleasure  of  her  majesty's  offi- 
cers in  the  fort  ;  and,  when  that  is  the  case,  one 
is  quite  certain  that  all  is  proper,  and  very  Eng- 
lish, my  lord." 

"  'Fore  George,  sir,  English  or  Dutch,  it  had 
the  quality  to  frighten  this  sea-fowl — this  curlew 
— this  albatross,  from  his  perch !  " 

"  Upon  my  duty  to  your  lordship,  your  lord- 
ship has  the  severest  wit  of  any  gentleman  in  her 
majesty's  kingdom ;  but  all  the  nobility  and  gen- 
try are  so  witty  that  it  is  quite  an  honor  and  an 
edification  to  hear  them !  If  it  is  your  lordship's 
pleasure,  I  will  look  out  of  the  window,  my  lord, 
and  see  if  there  be  any  thing  visible." 

"  Do  so,  Master  Carnaby — I  confess  a  little 
curiosity  to  know  what  has  given  the  alarm  to 
my  sea-lion — ha !  do  I  not  see  the  masts  of  a  ship 
moving  above  the  roofs  of  yonder  line  of  stores  ?  " 

"  Well,  your  lordship  has  the  quickest  eye,  and 
the  happiest  way  of  seeing  things,  of  any  noble- 
man in  England  !  Now,  I  should  have  stared  a 
quarter  of  an  hour,  before  I  thought  of  looking 


over  the  roofs  of  those  stores  at  all ;  and  yet  your 
lordship  looks  there  at  the  very  first  glance." 

"  Is  it  a  ship  or  a  brig,  Master  Carnaby — you 
have  the  advantage  of  position,  for  I  would  not 
willingly  be  seen — speak  quickly,  dolt ;  ship  or 
brig?" 

"  My  lord— 'ti3  a  brig — or  a  ship— really  I 
must  ask  your  lordship,  for  I  know  so  little  of 
these  things — " 

"  Nay,  complaisant  Master  Carnaby — have  an 
opinion  of  your  own  for  one  moment,  if  you  please 
— there  is  smoke  curling  upward,  behind  those 
masts — " 

Another  rattling  of  windows,  and  a  second  re- 
port, removed  all  doubts  on  the  subject  of  the  fir- 
ing. At  the  next  instant,  the  bows  of  a  vessel  of 
war  appeared  at  the  opening  of  a  ship-yard  ;  then 
came  gun  after  gun  in  view,  until  the  whole 
broadside  of  the  Coquette  was  visible. 

The  viscount  sought  no  further  solution  of 
the  reason  why  the  Skimmer  had  left  him  so  hur- 
riedly. Fumbling  a  moment  in  a  pocket,  he 
drew  forth  a  hand  filled  with  broad  pieces  of 
gold.  These  he  appeared  about  to  lay  upon  the 
table ;  but,  as  it  were  by  forgetfulness,  he  kept 
the  member  closed,  and,  bidding  the  grocer  adieu, 
he  left  the  house,  with  as  firm  a  resolution  as  was 
ever  made  by  any  man,  conscious  of  having  done 
both  a  weak  and  a  wicked  action,  of  never  again 
putting  himself  in  familiar  contact  with  so  truc- 
kling a  miscreant. 

CHAPTER  XXYIII. 

"What  care  these  roarers  for  the  name  of  king?" 

Tempest. 

The  Manhattanese  will  readily  comprehend  the 
situation  of  the  two  vessels ;  but  those  of  our 
countrymen  who  live  in  distant  parts  of  the  Union, 
may  be  glad  to  have  the  localities  explained. 

Though  the  vast  estuary  which  receives  the 
Hudson  and  so  many  minor  streams  is  chiefly 
made  by  an  indentation  of  the  continent,  that 
portion  of  it  which  forms  the  port  of  New  York 
is  separated  from  the  ocean  by  the  happy  position 
of  its  islands.  Of  the  latter  there  are  two,  which 
give  the  general  character  to  the  basin,  and  even 
to  a  long  line  of  coast ;  while  several  that  are 
smaller,  serve  as  useful  and  beautiful  accessories 
to  the  haven  and  to  the  landscape.  Between  the 
bay  of  Raritan  and  that  of  New  York  there  are 
two  communications,  one  between  the  islands  of 
Staten  and  Nassau,  called  the  Narrows,  which  is 
the  ordinary  ship-channel  of  the  port,  and  the 
other  between  Staten  and  the  main,  which  is 


THE  ROYAL  CRUISER'S  SIGNALS. 


143 


known  by  the  name  of  the  Kills.  It  is  by  means 
of  the  latter  that  vessels  pass  into  the  neighbor- 
ing waters  of  New  Jersey,  and  have  access  to  so 
many  of  the  rivers  of  that  State.  But  while  the 
island  of  Staten  does  so  much  for  the  security 
and  facilities  of  the  port,  that  of  Nassau  produces 
an  effect  on  a  great  extent  of  coast.  After  shel- 
tering one-half  of  the  harbor  from  the  ocean,  the 
latter  approaches  so  near  the  continent  as  to  nar- 
row the  passage  between  them  to  the  length  of 
two  cables,  and  then,  stretching  away  eastward 
for  the  distance  of  a  hundred  miles,  it  forms  a 
wide  and  beautiful  sound.  After  passing  a  clus- 
ter of  islands,  at  a  point  which  lies  forty  leagues 
from  the  city,  by  another  passage,  vessels  can 
gain  the  open  sea. 

The  seaman  will  at  once  understand  that  the 
tide  of  flood  must  necessarily  flow  into  these  vast 
estuaries  from  different  directions.  The  current 
which  enters  by  Sandy  Hook  (the  scene  of  so  much 
of  this  tale)  flows  westward  into  the  J ersey  rivers, 
northward  into  the  Hudson,  and  eastward  along 
the  arm  of  the  sea  that  lies  between  Nassau  and  the 
main.  The  current  that  comes  by  the  way  of  Mon- 
tauk,  or  the  eastern  extremity  of  Nassau,  raises  the 
vast  basin  of  the  sound,  fills  the  streams  of  Connect- 
icut, and  meets  the  western  tide  at  a  place  called 
Throgmorton,  and  within  twenty  miles  of  the  city. 

As  the  size  of  the  estuaries  is  so  great,  it  is 
scarcely  necessary  to  explain  that  the  pressure  of 
such  wide  sheet3  of  water  causes  the  currents,  at 
all  the  narrow  passes,  to  be  exceedingly  rapid ; 
since  that  equal  .diffusion  of  the  element,  which 
depends  on  a  natural  law,  must,  wherever  there 
is  a  deficiency  of  space,  be  obtained  by  its  velo- 
city. There  is,  consequently,  a  quick  tide  through- 
out the  whole  distance  between  the  harbor  and 
Throgmorton  ;  while  it  is  permitted  to  poetic  li- 
cense to  say  that,  at  the  narrowest  part  of  the 
channel,  the  water  darts  by  the  land  like  an  ar- 
row parting  from  its  bow.  Owing  to  a  sudden 
bend  in  the  course  of  the  stream,  which  makes 
two  right  angles  within  a  short  distance,  the  dan- 
gerous position  of  many  rocks  that  are  visible 
and  more  that  are  not,  and  the  confusion  produced 
by  currents,  counter-currents,  and  eddies,  this 
critical  pass  has  received  the  name  of  "  Hell 
Gate."  It  is  memorable  for  causing  many  a  gentle 
bosom  to  palpitate  with  a  terror  that  is  a  little 
exaggerated  by  the  boding  name,  though  it  is 
constantly  the  cause  of  pecuniary  losses,  and  has 
in  many  instances  been  the  source  of  much  per- 
sonal danger.  It  was  here  that  a  British  frigate 
was  lost,  during  the  war  of  the  Revolution,  in 
consequence  of  having  struck  a  rock  called  "  the 
Pot,"  the  blow  causing  the  ship  to  fill  and  to 


founder  so  suddenly  that  even  some  of  her  peo- 
ple are  said  to  have  been  drowned.  A  similar 
but  a  greatly  lessened  effect  is  produced  in  the 
passage  among  the  islands,  by  which  vessels  gain 
the  ocean  at  the  eastern  extremity  of  the  sound ; 
though  the  magnitude  of  the  latter  sheet  of  water 
is  so  much  greater  than  that  of  Raritan  Bay  and 
the  harbor  of  New  York,  that  the  force  of  its 
pressure  is  diminished  by  a  corresponding  width 
in  the  outlets.  With  these  explanations  we  shall 
return  to  the  thread  of  the  narrative. 

When  the  person,  who  has  so  long  been 
known  in  our  pages  by  the  nom  de guerre  of  Tiller, 
gained  the  open  street,  he  had  a  better  opportu- 
nity of  understanding  the  nature  of  the  danger 
which  so  imminently  pressed  upon  the  brigan- 
tine.  With  a  single  glance  at  the  symmetrical 
spars  and  broad  yards  of  the  ship  that  was  sweep- 
ing past  the  town,  he  knew  her  to  be  the  Coquette. 
The  little  flag  at  her  foretop-gallant  mast  suffi- 
ciently explained  the  meaning  of  the  gun  ;  for  the 
two,  in  conjunction  with  the  direction  the  ship 
was  steering,  told  him,  in  language  that  any  sea- 
man could  comprehend,  that  she  demanded  a 
Hell-Gate  pilot.  By  the  time  the  Skimmer  reached 
the  end  of  a  lone  wharf,  where  a  light  and  swift- 
rowing  boat  awaited  his  return,  the  second  report 
bespoke  the  impatience  of  his  pursuers  to  be  fur- 
nished with  the  necessary  guide. 

Though  the  navigation  in  this  republic,  coast- 
wise, now  employs  a  tonnage  equalling  that  used 
in  all  the  commerce  of  any  other  nation  of  Chris- 
tendom, England  alone  excepted,  it  was  of  no 
great  amount  at  the  commencement  of  the  eigh- 
teenth century.  A  single  ship,  lying  at  the 
wharves,  and  two  or  three  brigs  and  schooners 
at  anchor  in  the  rivers,  composed  the  whole  show 
of  sea-vessels  then  in  port.  To  these  were  to  be 
added  some  twenty  smaller  coasters  and  river- 
craft,  most  of  whom  were  the  shapeless  and  slow- 
moving  masses  which  then  plied,  in  voyages  of  a 
month's  duration,  between  the  two  principal  towns 
of  the  colony.  The  appeal  of  the  Coquette,  there- 
fore, at  that  hour  and  in  that  age,  was  not  likely 
to  be  very  quickly  answered. 

The  ship  had  got  fairly  into  the  arm  of  the 
sea  which  separates  the  island  of  Manhattan  from 
that  of  Nassau,  and  though  it  was  not  then,  as 
now,  narrowed  by  artificial  means,  its  tide  was  so, 
strong  as,  aided  by  the  breeze,  to  float  her  swiftly 
onward.  A  third  gun  shook  the  windows  of  the. 
city,  causing  many  a  worthy  burgher  to  thrust 
his  head  through  his  casement ;  yet  no  boat  was 
seen  pulling  from  the  land,  nor  was  there  any 
other  visible  sign  that  the  signal  would  be  speedi- 
ly obeyed.    Still,  the  royal  cruiser  stood  steadily 


144 


THE  WATER- WITCH. 


on,  with  sail  packed  above  sail,  and  every  sheet 
of  canvas  spread,  that  the  direction  of  the  wind, 
which  blew  a  little  forward  of  the  beam,  would 
allow. 

"  We  must  pull  for  our  own  safety,  and  that 
of  the  brigantine,  my  men,"  said  the  Skimmer, 
springing  into  his  boat  and  seizing  the  tiller.  "  A 
quick  stroke,  and  a  strong ! — here  is  no  time  for 
holiday  feathering,  or  your  man-of-war  jerk ! 
Give  way,  boys  ;  give  way,  with  a  will,  and  togeth- 
er !  » 

These  were  sounds  that  had  often  saluted  the 
ears  of  men  engaged  in  the  hazardous  pursuit  of 
his  crew.  The  oars  fell  into  the  water  at  the 
same  moment,  and,  quick  as  thought,  the  little 
bark  was  in  the  strength  of  the  current. 

The  short  range  of  wharves  was  soon  passed, 
and,  ere  many  minutes,  the  boat  was  gliding  up 
with  the  tide,  between  the  bluffs  of  Long  Island 
and  the  projection  which  forms  the  angle  on  that 
part  of  Manhattan.  Here  the  Skimmer  was  in- 
duced to  sheer  more  into  the  centre  of  the  pas- 
sage, in  order  to  avoid  the  eddies  formed  by  the 
point,  and  to  preserve  the  whole  benefit  of  the 
current.  As  the  boat  approached  Corker's,  his 
eye  was  anxiously  examining  the  wider  reach  of 
the  water,  that  began  to  open  above,  in  quest  of 
his  brigantine.  Another  gun  was  heard.  A  mo- 
ment after  the  report,  there  followed  the  whistling 
of  a  shot ;  then  succeeded  the  rebound  on  the  wai- 
ter and  the  glittering  particles  of  the  spray.  The 
ball  glanced  a  few  hundred  feet  farther,  and,  skip- 
ping from  place  to  place,  it  soon  sank  into  the 
element. 

"  This  Mr.  Ludlow  is  disposed  to  kill  two  birds 
with  the  same  stone,"  coolly  observed  the  Skimmer, 
not  even  bending  his  head  aside,  to  note  the  posi- 
tion of  the  ship.  "  He  wakes  the  burghers  of  the 
town  with  his  noise,  while  he  menaces  our  boat 
Avith  his  shot.  We  are  seen,  my  friends,  and  have 
no  dependence  but  our  own  manhood,  with  some 
assistance  from  the  lady  of  the  sea-green  mantle. 
A  quicker  stroke,  and  a  strong !  You  have  the 
queen's  cruiser  before  you,  Master  Coil ;  does  she 
show  boats  on  her  quarters,  or  are  the  davits 
empty  ?  " 

The  seaman  addressed  pulled  the  stroke-oar 
of  the  boat,  and  consequently  he  faced  the  Co- 
quette. Without  in  the  least  relaxing  his  exer- 
tions, he  rolled  his  eyes  over  the  ship,  and  an- 
swered with  a  steadiness  that  showed  him  to  be 
a  man  accustomed  to  situations  of  hazard. 

"  His  boat-falls  are  as  loose  as  a  mermaid's 
locks,  your  honor,  and  he  shows  few  men  in  his 
tops ;  there  are  enough  of  the  rogues  left,  how- 
ever, to  give  us  another  shot." 


"Her  majesty's  servants  are  early  awake  this 
morning.  Another  stroke  or  two,  hearts  of  oak, 
and  we  throw  them  behind  the  land  !  " 

A  second  shot  fell  into  the  water  just  without 
the  blades  of  the  oars  ;  then  the  boat,  obedient 
to  its  helm,  whirled  round  the  point,  and  the  ship 
was  no  longer  visible.  As  the  cruiser  was  shut 
in  by  the  formation  of  the  land,  the  brigantine 
came  into  view  on  the  opposite  side  of  Corker's. 
Notwithstanding  the  calmness  that  reigned  in  the 
features  of  the  Skimmer,  one  who  studied  his 
countenance  closely  might  have  seen  an  expres- 
sion of  concern  shadowing  his  manly  face,  as  the 
Water-Witch  met  his  eye.  Still  he  spoke  not, 
concealing  his  uneasiness,  if  in  truth  he  felt  any, 
from  those  whose  exertions  were  at  that  moment 
of  the  last  importance.  As  the  crew  of  the  ex- 
pecting vessel  saw  their  boat,  they  altered  their 
course,  and  the  two  were  soon  together. 

"  Why  is  that  signal  still  flying  ?  "  demanded 
the  Skimmer,  the  instant  his  foot  touched  the 
deck  of  his  brigantine,  and  pointing,  as  he  spoke, 
at  the  little  flag  that  fluttered  at  the  head  of  the 
forward  mast. 

"  We  keep  it  aloft  to  hasten  off  the  pilot," 
was  the  answer. 

"  Has  not  the  treacherous  knave  kept  faith  ?  " 
exclaimed  the  Skimmer,  half  recoiling  in  surprisa 
"  He  has  my  gold,  and  in  return  I  hold  fifty  of 
his  worthless  promises — ha !  the  laggard  is  in  yon 
skiff;  wear  the  brig  round  and  meet  him,  for  mo- 
ments are  as  precious  now  as  water  in  a  desert." 

The  helm  was  a-weather,  and  the  lively  brigan- 
tine had  already  turned  more  than  half  aside,  when 
another  gun  drew  every  eye  toward  the  point 
The  smoke  was  seen  rising  above  the  bend  of  the 
land,  and  presently  the  head-sails,  followed  by 
all  the  hull  and  spars  of  the  Coquette,  came  into 
view.  At  that  instant  a  voice  from  forward  an- 
nounced that  the  pilot  had  turned,  and  was 
rowing  with  all  his  powers  toward  the  shore. 
The  imprecations  that  were  heaped  on  the  head 
of  the  delinquent  were  many  and  deep,  but  it  was 
no  time  for  indecision.  The  two  vessels  were 
not  half  a  mile  apart,  and  now  was  the  moment  to 
show  the  qualities  of  the  Water-Witch.  Her  helm 
was  shifted  ;  and,  as  if  conscious  herself  of  the 
danger  that  threatened  her  liberty,  the  beautiful 
fabric  came  sweeping  up  to  her  course,  and,  in- 
clining to  the  breeze,  with  one  heavy  flap  of  the 
canvas  she  glided  ahead  with  her  wonted  ease.  But 
the  royal  cruiser  was  a  ship  of  ten  thousand ! 
For  twenty  minutes,  the  nicest  eye  might  have 
been  at  a  loss  to  say  which  lost  or  which  gained,  so 
equally  did  the  pursuer  and  the  pursued  hold  on 
their  way.   As  the  brigantine  was  the  first,  how- 


HAZARDOUS  SAILING. 


145 


ever,  to  reach  the  narrow  passage  formed  by 
Blackwell's,  her  motion  was  favored  by  the  in- 
creasing power  of  the  stream.  It  would  seem 
that  this  change,  slight  as  it  was,  did  not  escape 
the  vigilance  of  those  in  the  Coquette  ;  for  the 
gun,  which  had  been  silent  so  long,  again  sent 
forth  its  flame  and  smoke.  Four  discharges,  in 
less  than  so  many  minutes,  threatened  a  serious 
disadvantage  to  the  free-traders.  Shot  after 
shot  passed  among  their  spars,  and  opened  wide 
rents  in  the  canvas.  A  few  more  such  assaults 
would  deprive  them  of  their  means  of  motion. 
Aware  of  the  crisis,  the  accomplished  and  prompt 
seaman  who  governed  her  movements  needed 
but  an  instant  to  form  his  decision. 

The  brigantine  was  now  nearly  up  with  the 
head  of  Blackwell's.  It  was  half-flood  on  a 
spring  tide.  The  reef  that  projects  from  the 
western  end  of  the  island  far  into  the  reach  be- 
low, was  nearly  covered ;  but  still  enough  was 
visible  to  show  the  nature  of  the  barrier  it  pre- 
sented to  a  passage  from  one  shore  to  the  other. 
There  was  one  rock,  near  the  island  itself,  which 
lifted  its  black  head  high  above  the  water.  Be- 
tween this  dark  mass  of  stone  and  the  land,  there 
was  an  opening  of  some  twenty  fathoms  in  width. 
The  Skimmer  saw,  by  the  even  and  unbroken 
waves  that  rolled  through  the  passage,  that  the 
bottom  lay  less  near  to  the  surface  of  the  water 
in  that  opening,  than  at  any  other  point  along  the 
line  of  reef.  He  commanded  the  helm  a-weather 
once  more,  and  calmly  trusted  to  the  issue. 

Not  a  man  on  board  that  brigantine  was  aware 
that  the  shot  of  the  royal  cruiser  was  whistling 
between  their  masts,  and  damaging  their  gear,  as 
the  little  vessel  glided  into  the  narrow  opening. 
A  single  blow  on  the  rock  would  have  been  de- 
struction, and  the  lesser  danger  was  entirely  ab- 
sorbed in  the  greater.  But  when  the  passage 
was  cleared,  and  the  true  stream  in  the  other 
channel  gained,  a  common  shout  proclaimed  both 
the  weight  of  their  apprehension  and  their  relief. 
In  another  minute  the  head  of  Blackwell's  pro- 
tected them  from  the  shot  of  their  pursuers. 

The  length  of  the  reef  prevented  the  Coquette 
from  changing  her  direction,  and  her  draught 
of  water  closed  the  passage  between  the  rock 
and  the  island.  But  the  deviation  from  the 
straight  course,  and  the  passage  of  the  eddies, 
had  enabled  the  ship,  which  came  steadily  on,  to 
range  up  nearly  abeam  of  her  chase.  Both  ves- 
sels, though  separated  by  the  long,  narrow  island, 
were  now  fairly  in  the  force  of  those  currents 
which  glide  so  swiftly  through  the  confined  pas- 
sages. A  sudden  thought  glanced  on  the  mind 
of  the  Skimmer,  and  he  lost  no  time  in  attempt- 
10 


ing  to  execute  its  suggestion.  Again  the  helm  was 
put  up,  and  the  image  of  the  sea-green  lady  was 
seen  struggling  to  stem  the  rapid  waters.  Had 
this  effort  been  crowned  with  success,  the  tri- 
umph of  her  followers  would  have  been  complete; 
since  the  brigantine  might  have  reached  some  of 
the  eddies  of  the  reach  below,  and,  leaving  her 
heavier  pursuer  to  contend  with  the  strength  of 
the  tide,  she  would  have  gained  the  open  sea  by 
the  route  over  which  she  had  so  lately  passed. 
But  a  single  minute  of  trial  convinced  the  bold 
mariner  that  his  decision  came  too  late.  The 
wind  was  insufficient  to  pass  the  gorge  ;  and,  en- 
vironed by  the  land,  with  a  tide  that  grew  strong- 
er at  each  moment,  he  saw  that  delay  would  be 
destruction.  Once  more  the  light  vessel  yielded 
to  the  helm,  and,  with  every  thing  set  to  the  best 
advantage,  she  darted  along  the  passage. 

In  the  mean  time,  the  Coquette  had  not  been 
idle.  Borne  on  by  the  breeze,  and  floating  with 
the  current,  she  had  even  gained  upon  her  chase ; 
and,  as  her  lofty  and  light  sails  drew  strongest 
over  the  land,  there  was  every  prospect  of  her 
first  reaching  the  eastern  end  of  Blackwell's. 
Ludlow  saw  his  advantage,  and  made  his  prep- 
arations accordingly. 

There  needs  little  explanation  to  render  the 
circumstances  which  brought  the  royal  cruiser  up 
to  town,  intelligible  to  the  reader.  As  the  morn- 
ing approached,  she  had  entered  more  deeply  in- 
to the  bay ;  and  when  the  light  permitted,  those 
on  board  her  had  been  able  to  see  that  no  vessel 
lay  beneath  the  hills,  nor  in  any  of  the  more  re- 
tired places  of  tbe  estuary.  A  fisherman,  how- 
ever, removed  the  last  of  their  doubts,  by  report- 
ing  that  he  had  seen  a  vessel,  whose  description 
answered  that  of  the  "Water- Witch,  passing  the 
Narrows  in  the  middle  watch.  He  added  that  a 
swiftly-rowing  boat  was,  shortly  after,  seen  pull- 
ing in  the  same  direction.  This  clew  had  been 
sufficient.  Ludlow  made  a  signal  for  his  own 
boats  to  close  the  passage  of  the  Kills  and  the 
Narrows,  and  then,  as  has  been  seen,  he  steered 
directly  into  the  harbor. 

When  Ludlow  found  himself  in  the  position 
just  described,  he  turned  all  his  attention  to  the 
double  object  of  preserving  his  own  vessel  and 
arresting  that  of  the  free-trader.  Though  there 
was  still  a  possibility  of  damaging  the  spars  of 
the  brigantine  by  firing  across  the  land,  the  fee- 
bleness of  his  own  crew,  reduced  as  it  was  by 
more  than  half  its  numbers,  the  danger  of  doing 
injury  to  the  farm-houses  that  were  here  and 
there  placed  along  the  low  cliffs,  and  the  necessi- 
ty of  preparation  to  meet  the  critical  pass  ahead, 
united  to  prevent  the  attempt.    The  ship  was  no 


146 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


sooner  fairly  entered  into  the  pass  between 
Blackwell's  and  Nassau,  than  he  issued  an  order 
to  secure  the  guns  that  had  been  used,  and  to 
clear  away  the  anchors. 

"  Cock-bill  the  bowers,  sir,"  he  hastily  added, 
in  his  orders  to  Trysail.  "  We  are  in  no  condition 
to  sport  with  stock-and-fluke ;  have  every  thing 
ready  to  let  go  at  a  word  ;  and  see  the  grapnels 
ready — we  will  throw  them  aboard  the  smuggler 
as  we  close,  and  take  him  alive.  Once  fast  to 
the  chain,  we  are  yet  strong  enough  to  haul  him 
in  under  our  scuppers,  and  to  capture  him  with 
the  pumps !  Is  the  signal  still  abroad  for  a 
pilot?" 

"  We  keep  it  flying,  sir,  but  'twill  be  a  swift 
boat  that  overhauls  us  in  this  tide's-way.  The 
Gate  begins  at  yonder  bend  in  the  land,  Captain 
Ludlow." 

"  Keep  it  abroad ;  the  lazy  rogues  are  some- 
times loitering  in  the  cove  this  side  the  rocks, 
and  chance  may  throw  one  of  them  aboard  us,  as 
we  pass.  See  to  the  anchors,  sir,  the  ship  is 
driving  through  this  channel  like  a  race-horse  un- 
der the  whip ! " 

The  men  were  hurriedly  piped  to  this  duty, 
while  their  young  commander  took  his  station  on 
the  poop,  now  anxiously  examining  the  courses 
of  the  tides,  and  the  positions  of  the  eddies,  and 
now  turning  his  eyes  toward  the  brigantine, 
whose  upper  spars  and  white  sails  were  to  be 
seen,  at  the  distance  of  two  hundred  fathoms, 
glancing  past  the  trees  of  the  island.  But  miles 
and  minutes  seemed  like  rods  and  moments,  in 
that  swift  current.  Trysail  had  just  reported  the 
anchors  ready,  when  the  ship  swept  up  abreast 
of  the  cove,  where  vessels  often  seek  an  anchor- 
age, to  await  favorable  moments  for  entering  the 
Gate.  Ludlow  saw,  at  a  glance,  that  the  place 
was  entirely  empty.  For  an  instant  he  yielded 
to  the  heavy  responsibility — a  responsibility  be- 
fore which  a  seaman  sooner  shrinks  than  before 
any  other — that  of  charging  himself  with  the  du- 
ty of  the  pilot ;  and  he  thought  of  running  into 
the  anchorage  for  shelter.  But  another  glimpse  at 
the  spars  of  the  brigantine  caused  him  to  waver. 

"  We  are  near  the  Gate,  sir  !  "  cried  Trysail, 
in  a  voice  that  was  full  of  warning. 

"  Yon  daring  mariner  stands  on  !  " 

"The  rogue  sails  his  vessel  without  the 
queen's  permission,  Captain  Ludlow.  They  tell 
me  this  is  a  passage  that  has  been  well  named  !  " 

"  I  have  been  through  it,  and  will  vouch  for 
its  character — he  shows  no  signs  of  anchoring  ! " 

"  If  the  woman  who  points  his  course  can  car- 
ry him  through  safely,  she  deserves  her  title. 
We  are  passing  the  cove,  Captain  Ludlow  ! " 


"  We  are  past  it ! "  returned  Ludlow,  breatl 
ing  heavily.  "Let  there  be  no  whisper  in  t 
ship — pilot  or  no  pilot,  we  now  sink  or  swim ! ' 

Trysail  had  ventured  to  remonstrate,  while 
there  was  a  possibility  of  avoiding  the  danger ; 
but,  like  his  commander,  he  saw  that  all  depended 
now  on  their  own  coolness  and  care.  He  passed 
busily  among  the  crew ;  saw  that  each  brace  and 
bowline  was  manned;  cautioned  the  few  young! 
officers  who  continued  on  board  to  vigilance  ;  and 
then  awaited  the  orders  of  his  superior,  with  the 
composure  that  is  so  necessary  to  a  seaman  in  the 
moment  of  trial.  Ludlow  himself,  while  he  felt 
the  load  of  responsibility  he  had  assumed,  suc- 
ceeded equally  well  in  maintaining  an  outward 
calm.  The  ship  was  irretrievably  in  the  Gate, 
and  no  human  power  could  retrace  the  step.  At 
such  moments  of  intense  anxiety,  the  human 
mind  is  wont  to  seek  support  in  the  opinions  of 
others.  Notwithstanding  the  increasing  velocity 
and  the  critical  condition  of  his  own  vessel,  Lud- 
low cast  a  glance,  in  order  to  ascertain  the  deter- 
mination of  the  "Skimmer  of  the  Seas."  Black- 
well's  was  already  behind  them,  and,  as  the  two 
currents  were  again  united,  the  brigantine  had 
luffed  up  into  the  entrance  of  the  dangerous  pas- 
sage, and  now  followed  within  two  hundred  feet  of 
the  Coquette,  directly  in  her  wake.  The  bold  and 
manly-looking  mariner,  who  controlled  her,  stood 
between  the  knight-heads,  just  above  the  image 
of  his  pretended  mistress,  where  he  examined  the 
foaming  reefs,  the  whirling  eddies,  and  the  vary- 
ing currents,  with  folded  arms  and  a  riveted  eye. 
A  glance  was  exchanged  between  the  two  officers, 
and  the  free-trader  raised  his  sea-cap.  Ludlow 
was  too  courteous  not  to  return  the  salutation, 
then  all  his  senses  were  engrossed  by  the  care  of 
his  ship.  A  rock  lay  before  them,  over  which 
the  water  broke  in  a  loud  and  unceasing  roar. 
For  an  instant  it  seemed  that  the  vessel  could  not 
avoid  the  danger ;  then  it  was  already  past. 

"  Brace  up  !  "  said  Ludlow,  in  the  calm  tones 
that  denote  a  forced  tranquillity. 

"Luff!  "  called  out  the  Skimmer,  so  quickly 
as  to  show  that  he  took  the  movements  of  the 
cruiser  for  his  guide.  The  ship  came  closer  to 
the  wind,  but  the  sudden  bend  in  the  stream  no 
longer  permitted  her  to  steer  in  a  direct  line  with 
its  course.  Though  drifting  to  windward  with 
vast  rapidity,  her  way  through  the  water,  which 
was  greatly  increased  by  the  contrary  actions  of 
the  wind  and  tide,  caused  the  cruiser  to  shoot 
across  the  current ;  while  a  reef,  over  which  the 
water  madly  tumbled,  lay  immediately  in  her 
course.  The  danger  seemed  too  imminent  for  the 
observances  of  nautical  etiquette,  and  Trysail 


A  NARROW  ESCAPE. 


147 


called  aloud  that  the  ship  must  be  thrown  aback, 
or  she  was  lost. 

"  Hard-a-lee ! "  shouted  Ludlow,  in  the  strong 
voice  of  authority.  "  Up  with  every  thing — tacks 
and  sheets  ! — main-top-sail  haul !  " 

The  ship  seemed  as  conscious  of  her  danger 
as  any  on  her  decks.  The  bows  whirled  away 
from  the  foaming  reef,  and  as  the  sails  caught 
the  breeze  on  their  opposite  surfaces,  they  aided 
iu  bringing  her  head  in  the  contrary  direction. 
A  minute  had  scarcely  passed  ere  she  was  aback, 
and  in  the  next  she  was  about  and  full  again.  The 
intensity  of  the  brief  exertion  kept  Trysail  fully 
employed  ;  but  no  sooner  had  he  leisure  to  look 
ahead,  than  he  again  called  aloud  : 

"  Here  is  another  roarer  under  her  bows. — 
Luff,  sir,  luff,  or  we  are  upon  it ! " 

"  Hard  down  your  helm  ! "  once  again  came 
in  deep  tones  from  Ludlow.  "  Let  fly  your  sheets 
— throw  all  aback,  forward  and  aft — away  with 
the  yards,  with  a  will,  men  !  " 

There  was  need  for  all  of  these  precautions. 
Though  the  ship  had  so  happily  escaped  the  dan- 
gers of  the  first  reef,  a  turbulent  and  roaring  cal- 
dron in  the  water,  which,  as  representing  the  ele- 
ment in  ebullition,  is  called  "  the  Pot,"  lay  so 
directly  before  her  as  to  render  the  danger  ap- 
parently inevitable.  But  the  power  of  the  canvas 
was  not  lost  on  this  trying  occasion.  The  for- 
ward motion  of  the  ship  diminished,  and  as  the 
current  still  swept  her  swiftly  to  windward,  her 
bows  did  not  enter  the  rdlling  waters  until  the 
hidden  rocks  which  caused  the  commotion  had 
been  passed.  The  yielding  vessel  rose  and  fell  in 
the  agitated  water,  as  if  in  homage  to  the  whirl- 
pool ;  but  the  deep  keel  was  unharmed. 

"If  the  ship  shoot  ahead  twice  her  length 
more,  her  bows  will  touch  the  eddy,"  exclaimed 
the  vigilant  master. 

Ludlow  looked  around  him,  for  a  single  mo- 
ment, in  indecision.  The  waters  were  whirling 
and  roaring  on  every  side,  and  the  sails  began  to 
lose  their  power,  as  the  ship  drew  near  the  bluff 
which  forms  the  second  angle  in  this  critical  pass. 
He  saw,  by  objects  on  the  land,  that  he  still  ap- 
proached the  shore,  and  he  had  recourse  to  the 
seaman's  last  expedient. 

"  Let  go  both  anchors  !  "  was  the  final  order. 

The  fall  of  the  massive  iron  into  the  water 
was  succeeded  by  the  rumbling  of  the  cable. 
The  first  effort  to  check  the  progress  of  the  ves- 
sel appeared  to  threaten  dissolution  to  the  whole 
fabric,  which  trembled  under  the  shock  from  its 
mast-heads  to  the  keel.  But  the  enormous  rope 
again  yielded,  and  smoke  was  seen  rising  round 
the  wood  which  held  it.    The  ship  whirled  with 


the  sudden  check,  and  sheered  wildly  in  toward 
the  shore.  Met  by  the  helm,  and  again  checked 
by  the  efforts  of  the  crew,  she  threatened  to  defy 
restraint.  There  was  an  instant  when  all  on  board 
expected  to  hear  the  cable  snap ;  but  the  upper 
sails  filled,  and,  as  the  wind  was  now  brought  over 
the  taffrail,  the  force  of  the  current  was  in  a 
great  degree  met  by  that  of  the  breeze. 

The  ship  answered  her  helm  and  became  sta- 
tionary, while  the  water  foamed  against  her  cut- 
water, as  if  she  were  driven  ahead  with  the  power 
of  a  brisk  breeze. 

The  time,  from  the  moment  when  the  Co- 
quette entered  the  Gate,  to  that  when  she  an- 
chored below  "the  Pot,"  though  the  distance 
was  nearly  a  mile,  seemed  but  a  minute.  Certain, 
however,  that  his  ship  was  now  checked,  the 
thoughts  of  Ludlow  returned  to  their  other  duties 
with  the  quickness  of  lightning. 

"  Clear  away  the  grapnels,"  he  eagerly  cried 
— "  stand  by  to  heave,  and  haul  in !— heave  !  " 

But,  that  the  reader  may  better  comprehend 
the  motive  of  this  sudden  order,  he  must  consent 
to  return  to  the  entrance  of  the  dangerous  pas- 
sage, and  accompany  the  Water- Witch,  also,  in 
her  hazardous  experiment  to  get  through  without 
a  pilot. 

The  abortive  attempt  of  the  brigantine  to 
stem  the  tide  at  the  western  end  of  Blackw ell's 
will  be  remembered.  It  had  no  other  effect  than 
to  place  her  pursuer  more  in  advance,  and  to  con- 
vince her  own  commander  that  he  had  now  no 
.  other  resource  than  to  continue  his  course  ;  for, 
had  he  anchored,  boats  would  have  insured  his 
capture.  When  the  two  vessels  appeared  off  the 
eastern  end  of  the  island,  the  Coquette  was  ahead 
— a  fact  that  the  experienced  free-trader  did  not 
at  all  regret.  He  profited  by  the  circumstance 
to  follow  her  movements,  and  to  make  a  favora- 
ble entrance  into  the  uncertain  currents.  To  him, 
Hell-Gate  was  known  only  by  its  fearful  reputa- 
tion among  mariners ;  and,  unless  he  might  avail 
himself  of  the  presence  of  the  cruiser,  he  had 
no  other  guide  than  his  own  general  knowledge 
of  the  power  of  the  element. 

When  the  Coquette  had  tacked,  the  calm  and 
observant  Skimmer  was  satisfied  with  throwing 
his  head-sails  flat  to  the  mast.  From  that  in- 
stant, the  brigantine  lay  floating  in  the  current, 
neither  advancing  nor  receding  a  foot,  and  always 
keeping  her  position  at  a  safe  distance  from  the 
ship,  that  was  so  adroitly  made  to  answer  the  pur- 
poses of  a  beacon.  The  sails  were  watched  with 
the  closest  care  ;  and  so  nicely  was  the  delicate 
machine  tended,  that  it  would  have  been,  at  any 
moment,  in  her  people's  power  to  have  lessened 


148 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


her  way,  by  turning  to  the  stream.  The  Coquette 
was  followed  till  she  anchored,  and  the  call  on 
board  the  cruiser  to  heave  the  grapnels  had  been 
given,  because  the  brigantine  was  apparently 
floating  directly  down  on  her  broadside. 

When  the  grapnels  were  hove  from  the  royal 
cruiser,  the  free-trader  stood  on  the  low  poop  of 
his  little  vessel,  within  fifty  feet  of  him  who  had 
issued  the  order.  There  was  a  smile  of  indifference 
on  his  firm  mouth,  while  he  silently  waved  a  hand 
to  his  own  crew.  The  signal  was  obeyed  by 
bracing  round  their  yards,  and  suffering  all  the 
canvas  to  fill.  The  brigantine  shot  quickly  ahead, 
and  the  useless  irons  fell  heavily  into  the  water. 

"  Many  thanks  for  your  pilotage,  Captain 
Ludlow  ! "  cried  the  daring  and  successful  mari- 
ner of  the  shawl,  as  his  vessel,  borne  on  by  wind 
and  current,  receded  rapidly  from  the  cruiser. 
"  You  will  find  me  off  Montauk  ;  for  affairs  still 
keep  us  on  the  coast.  Our  lady  has,  however, 
put  on  the  blue  mantle ;  and  ere  many  settings 
of  the  sun,  we  shall  look  for  deep  water.  Take 
good  care  of  her  majesty's  ship,  I  pray  thee, 
for  she  has  neither  a  more  beautiful  nor  a 
faster ! " 

One  thought  succeeded  another,  with  the 
tumult  of  a  torrent,  in  the  mind  of  Ludlow.  As 
the  brigantine  lay  directly  under  his  broadside, 
the  first  impulse  was  to  use  his  guns  ;  at  the  next 
moment  he  was  conscious  that,  before  they  could 
be  cleared,  distance  would  render  them  useless. 
His  lips  had  nearly  parted  with  intent  to  order 
the  cables  cut,  but  he  remembered  the  speed  of 
the  brigantine^  and  hesitated.  A  sudden  freshen- 
ing of  the  breeze  decided  his  course.  Finding 
that  the  ship  was  enabled  to  keep  her  station,  he 
ordered  the  crew  to  thrust  the  whole  of  the  enor- 
mous ropes  through  the  hawse-holes ;  and,  freed 
from  the  restraint,  he  abandoned  the  anchors, 
until  an  opportunity  to  reclaim  them  should  offer. 

The  operation  of  slipping  the  cables  con- 
sumed several  minutes  ;  and  when  the  Coquette, 
with  every  thing  set,  was  again  steering  in  pursuit, 
the  Water-Witch  was  already  beyond  the  reach 
of  her  guns.  Both  vessels,  however,  held  on 
their  way,  keeping  as  near  as  possible  to  the  cen- 
tre of  the  stream,  and  trusting  more  to  fortune, 
than  to  any  knowledge  of  the  channel,  for  safety. 

When  passing  the  two  small  islands  that  lie 
at  no  great  distance  from  the  Gate,  a  boat  was 
seen  moving  toward  the  royal  cruiser.  A  man  in 
it  pointed  to  the  signal,  which  was  still  flying,  and 
offered  his  services. 

"  Tell  me,"  demanded  Ludlow,  eagerly,  f 1  has 
yonder  brigantine  taken  a  pilot  ?  " 

"By  her  movements,  I  judge  not.  She 


brushed  the  sunken  rock,  off  the  mouth  of  Flush- 
ing Bay ;  and,  as  she  passed,  I  heard  the  song  of 
the  lead.  I  should  have  gone  on  board  myself, 
but  the  fellow  rather  flies  than  sails  ;  and,  as  for 
signals,  he  seems  to  mind  none  but  his  own  !  " 

"  Bring  us  up  with  him,  and  fifty  guineas  is 
thy  reward ! " 

The  slow-moving  pilot,  who  in  truth  had  just 
awakened  from  a  refreshing  sleep,  opened  his 
eyes,  and  seemed  to  gather  a  new  impulse  from 
the  promise.  When  his  questions  were  asked 
and  answered,  he  began  deliberately  to  count  on 
his  fingers  all  the  chances  that  still  existed  of  a 
vessel,  whose  crew  was  ignorant  of  the  navigation, 
falling  into  their  hands. 

"Admitting  that,  by  keeping  mid-channel, 
she  goes  clear  of  White  Stone  and  Frogs,"  he 
said,  giving  to  Throgmorton's  its  vulgar  name, 
"he  must  be  a  wizard,  to  know  that  the  Stepping- 
Stones  lie  directly  across  his  course,  and  that  a 
vessel  must  steer  away  northerly,  or  bring  up  on 
rocks  that  will  as  surely  hold  him  as  if  he  were 
built  there.  Then  he  runs  his  chance  for  the 
Executioners,  which  are  as  prettily  placed  as  needs 
be,  to  make  our  trade  flourish  ;  besides  the  Mid- 
dle Ground  farther  east,  though  I  count  but  little 
on  that,  having  often  tried  to  find  it  myself,  with- 
out success.  Courage,  noble  captain !  if  the  fel- 
low be  the  man  you  say,  we  shall  get  a  nearer 
look  at  him  before  the  sun  sets ;  for  certainly  he 
who  has  run  the  Gate  without  a  pilot  in  safety, 
has  had  as  much  good  luck  as  can  fall  to  his  share 
in  one  day." 

The  opinion  of  the  East  River  Branch  proved 
erroneous.  Notwithstanding  the  hidden  perils 
by  which  she  was  environed,  the  Water- Witch 
continued  her  course,  with  a  speed  that  increased 
as  the  wind  rose  with  the  sun,  and  with  an  im- 
punity from  harm  that  amazed  all  who  were  in 
the  secret  of  her  situation.  Off  Throgmorton's 
there  was,  in  truth,  a  danger  that  might  even 
have  baffled  the  sagacity  of  the  followers  of  the 
mysterious  lady,  had  they  not  been  aided  by  acci- 
dent. This  is  the  point  where  the  straitened  arm 
of  the  sea  expands  into  the  basin  of  the  sound. 
A  broad  and  inviting  passage  lies  directly  before 
the  navigator,  while,  like  the  flattering  prospects 
of  life,  numberless  hidden  obstacles  are  in  wait 
to  arrest  the  unheeding  and  ignorant. 

The  "  Skimmer  of  the  Seas  "  was  deeply  prac- 
tised in  all  the  intricacies  and  dangers  of  shoals 
and  rocks.  Most  of  his  life  had  been  passed  in 
threading  the  one  or  in  avoiding  the  other.  So 
keen  and  quick  had  his  eye  become,  in  detecting 
the  presence  of  any  of  those  signs  which  forewarn 
the  mariner  of  danger,  that  a  ripple  on  the  surface, 


A  STRANGER  IN  THE  OFFING. 


149 


or  a  deeper  shade  in  the  color  of  the  water,  rare- 
ly escaped  his  vigilance.  Seated  on  the  topsail- 
yard  of  his  brigantine,  he  had  overlooked  the 
passage  from  the  moment  they  were  through  the 
Gate,  and  issued  his  mandates  to  those  below  with 
a  precision  and  promptitude  that  were  not  sur- 
passed by  the  trained  conductor  of  the  Coquette 
himself.  But  when  his  sight  embraced  the  wide 
reach  of  water  that  lay  in  front,  as  his  little  ves- 
sel swept  round  the  headland  of  Throgmorton,  he 
believed  there  no  longer  existed  a  reason  for  so 
much  care.  Still  there  was  a  motive  for  hesita- 
tion. A  heavily-moulded  and  dull-sailing  coaster 
was  going  eastward  not  a  league  ahead  of  the 
brigantine,  while  one  of  the  light  sloops  of  those 
waters  was  coming  westward  still  farther  in  the 
distance.  Notwithstanding  the  wind  was  favor- 
able to  each  alike,  both  vessels  had  deviated  from 
the  direct  line,  and  were  steering  toward  a  com- 
mon centre,  near  an  island  that  was  placed  more 
than  a  mile  to  the  northward  of  the  straight 
course.  A  mariner,  like  him  of  the  India  shawl, 
could  not  overlook  so  obvious  an  intimation  of  a 
change  in  the  channel.  The  Water- Witch  was 
kept  away,  and  her  lighter  sails  were  lowered,  in 
order  to  allow  the  royal  cruiser,  whose  lofty  can- 
vas was  plainly  visible  above  the  land,  to  draw 
near.  When  the  Coquette  was  seen  also  to  di- 
verge, there  no  longer  remained  a  doubt  of  the 
direction  necessary  to  be  taken ;  and  every  thing 
was  quickly  set  upon  the  brigantine,  even  to  her 
studding-sails.  Long  ere  she  reached  the  island, 
the  two  coasters  had  met,  and  each  again  changed 
its  course,  reversing  that  on  which  the  other  had 
just  been  sailing.  There  was,  in  these  move- 
ments, as  plain  an  explanation  as  a  seaman  could 
desire,  that  the  pursued  were  right.  On  reach- 
ing the  Island,  therefore,  they  again  luffed  into 
the  wake  of  the  schooner ;  and,  having  nearly 
crossed  the  sheet  of  water,  they  passed  the 
coaster,  receiving  an  assurance,  in  words,  that  all 
was  now  plain  sailing  before  them. 

Such  was  the  famous  passage  of  the  "  Skimmer 
of  the  Seas  "  through  the  multiplied  and  hidden 
dangers  of  the  eastern  channel.  To  those  who 
have  thus  accompanied  him,  step  by  step,  through 
its  intricacies  and  alarms,  there  may  seem  noth- 
ing extraordinary  in  the  event ;  but,  coupled  as  it 
was  with  the  character  previously  earned  by  that 
bold  mariner,  and  occurring  as  it  did  in  an  age 
when  men  were  more  disposed  than  at  present  to 
put  faith  in  the  marvellous,  the  reader  will  not 
be  surprised  to  learn  that  it  greatly  increased  his 
reputation  for  daring,  and  had  no  small  influence 
on  an  opinion,  which  was  by  no  means  uncommon, 
that  the  dealers  in  contraband  were  singularly 


favored  by  a  power  which  greatly  exceeded  that 
of  Queen  Anne  and  all  her  servants. 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

"  Thou  shalt  see  me  at  Philippi." 

Shakespeare. 

The  commander  of  her  Britannic  majesty's 
ship  Coquette  slept  that  night  in  the  hammock- 
cloths.  Before  the  sun  set,  the  light  and  swift 
brigantine,  by  following  the  gradual  bend  of  the 
land,  had  disappeared  in  the  eastern  board ;  and 
it  was  no  longer  a  question  of  overtaking  her  by 
speed.  Still  sail  was  crowded  on  the  royal  cruiser ; 
and,  long  ere  the  period  when  Ludlow  threw  him- 
self in  his  clothes  between  the  ridge-ropes  of 
the  quarter-deck,  the  vessel  had  gained  the  broad- 
est part  of  the  sound,  and  was  already  approach- 
ing the  islands  that  form  the  "  Race." 

Throughout  the  whole  of  that  long  and  anxious 
day,  the  young  sailor  had  held  no  communication 
with  the  immates  of  the  cabin.  The  servants  of 
the  ship  had  passed  to  and  fro ;  but,  though  the 
door  seldom  opened  that  he  did  not  bend  his 
eyes  feverishly  in  its  direction,  neither  the  alder- 
man, his  niece,  the  captive,  nor  even  Francois  or 
the  negress,  made  their  appearance  on  the  deck. 
If  any  there  felt  an  interest  in  the  result  of  the 
chase,  it  was  concealed  in  a  profound  and  almost 
mysterious  silence.  Determined  not  to  be  out- 
done in  indifference,  and  goaded  by  feelings  which 
with  all  his  pride  he  could  not  overcome,  our 
young  seaman  took  possession  of  the  place  of  rest 
we  have  mentioned,  without  using  any  measures 
to  resume  the  intercourse. 

When  the  first  watch  of  the  night  was  come, 
sail  was  shortened  on  the  ship,  and  from  that  mo- 
ment till  the  day  dawned  again,  her  captain 
seemed  buried  in  sleep.  With  the  appearance  of 
the  sun,  however,  he  arose,  and  commanded  the 
canvas  to  be  spread  once  more,  and  every  exer- 
tion made  to  drive  the  vessel  forward  to  her  ob- 
ject. 

The  Coquette  reached  the  Race  early  in  the 
day,  and  shooting  through  the  passage  on  an  ebb- 
tide, she  was  off  Montauk  at  noon.  No  sooner 
had  the  ship  drawn  past  the  cape,  and  reached  a 
point  where  she  felt  the  breeze  and  the  waves  of 
the  Atlantic,  than  men  were  sent  aloft,  and  twen- 
ty eyes  were  curiously  employed  in  examining 
the  offing.  Ludlow  remembered  the  promise  of 
the  Skimmer  to  meet  him  at  that  spot ;  and,  not- 
withstanding the  motives  which  the  latter  might 
be  supposed  to  have  for  avoiding  the  interview, 


150 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


so  great  was  the  influence  of  the  free-trader's  man- 
ner and  character,  that  the  young  captain  enter- 
tained a  secret  expectation  the  promise  would  be 
kept. 

"  The  offing  is  clear  ! "  said  the  young  captain, 
in  a  tone  of  disappointment,  when  he  lowered  his 
glass ;  "  yet  that  rover  does  not  seem  a  man  to 
hide  his  head  in  fear — " 

"  Tear — that  is  to  say,  fear  of  a  Frenchman — 
and  a  decent  respect  for  her  majesty's  cruisers, 
are  very  different  sorts  of  things,"  returned  the 
master.  "  I  never  got  a  bandanna  or  a  bottle  of 
your  Cognac  ashore  in  my  life,  that  I  did  not 
think  every  man  that  I  passed  in  the  street  could 
see  the  spots  in  the  one,  or  scent  the  flavor  of  the 
other  ;  but  then  I  never  supposed  this  shyness 
amounted  to  more  than  a  certain  suspicion  in  my 
own  mind  that  other  people  know  when  a  man  is 
running  on  an  illegal  course.  I  suppose  that  one 
of  your  rectors,  who  is  snugly  anchored  for  life  in 
a  good  warm  living  would  call  this  conscience ; 
but,  for  my  own  part,  Captain  Ludlow,  though  no 
great  logician  in  matters  of  this  sort,  I  have  al- 
ways believed  that  it  was  natural  concern  of  mind 
lest  the  articles  should  be  seized.  If  this  '  Skim- 
mer of  the  Seas '  comes  out  to  give  us  another 
chase  in  rough  water,  he  is  by  no  means  as  good 
a  judge  of  the  difference  between  a  large  and  a 
small  vessel  as  I  had  thought  him — and  I  confess, 
sir,  I  should  have  more  hopes  of  taking  him  were 
the  woman  under  his  bowsprit  fairly  burnt." 

"  The  offing  is  clear." 

"  That  it  is,  witlj  a  show  of  the  wind  holding 
here  at  south-half-south.  This  bit  of  water  that 
we  have  passed  between  yon  island  and  the  main, 
is  lined  with  bays  ;  and  while  we  are  here  looking 
out  for  them  on  the  high-seas,  the  cunning  varlets 
may  be  trading  in  any  one  of  the  fifty  good  basins 
that  lie  between  the  cape  and  the  place  where  we 
lost  him.  For  aught  we  know,  he  may  have  run 
westward  again  in  the  night-watches,  and  be  at 
this  moment  laughing  in  his  sleeve  at  the  man- 
ner in  which  he  dodged  the  cruiser." 

"  There  is  too  much  truth  in  what  you  say, 
Trysail ;  for,  if  the  Skimmer  be  now  disposed  to 
avoid  us,  he  has  certainly  the  means  in  his 
power." 

"  Sail,  ho  ! "  cried  the  lookout  on  the  maintop- 
gallant-yard. 

"  Where-away  ?  " 

"  Broad  on  the  weather-beam,  sir ;  here  in  a 
range  with  the  light  cloud  that  is  just  lifting  from 
the  water." 

"  Can  you  make  out  the  rig  ?  " 

"  'Fore  George,  the  fellow  is  right !  "  inter- 
rupted the  master.    "  The  cloud  caused  her  to  be 


unseen,  but  here  she  is,  sure  enough,  a  full-rigged 
ship  under  easy  canvas,  with  her  head  to  the 
westward ! " 

The  look  of  Ludlow  through  the  glass  was 
long,  attentive,  and  grave. 

"  We  are  weak-handed  to  deal  with  a  stran- 
ger," he  said,  when  he  returned  the  instrument  to 
Trysail.  "  You  see  he  has  nothing  but  his  top- 
sails set,  a  show  of  canvas  that  would  satisfy  no 
trader  in  a  breeze  like  this  ! " 

The  master  was  silent,  but  his  look  was  even 
longer  and  more  critical  than  that  of  his  captain. 
When  it  had  ended,  he  cast  a  cautious  glance 
toward  the  diminished  crew,  who  were  curiously 
regarding  the  vessel  that  had  now  become  suffi- 
ciently distinct  by  a  change  in  the  position  of  the 
cloud,  and  then  answered  in  an  undertone : 

"  'Tis  a  Frenchman,  or  I  am  a  whale  !  One 
may  see  it  by  his  short  yards,  and  the  hoist  of  his 
sails,  ay,  and  'tis  a  cruiser,  too,  for  no  man  who 
had  a  profit  to  make  on  his  freight  would  be  ly- 
ing there  under  short  canvas,  and  his  port  within 
a  day's  run." 

"  Tour  opinion  is  my  own ;  would  to  Heaven 
our  people  were  all  here  1  This  is  but  a  short 
complement  to  take  into  action  with  a  ship  whose 
force  seems  equal  to  our  own.  What  number 
can  we  count  ?  " 

"We  are  short  of  seventy — a  small  muster 
for  four-and-twenty  guns,  with  yards  like  these  to 
handle." 

"  And  yet  the  port  may  not  be  insulted  !  We 
are  known  to  be  on  this  coast — " 

"  We  are  seen  !  "  interrupted  the  master. 
"The  fellow  has  wore  ship,  and  he  is  already  set- 
ting his  top-gallant  sails." 

There  no  longer  remained  any  choice  between 
downright  flight  and  preparations  for  combat. 
The  former  would  have  been  easy,  for  an  hour 
would  have  taken  the  ship  within  the  cape ;  but 
the  latter  was  far  more  in  consonance  with  the 
spirit  of  the  service  to  which  the  Coquette  be- 
longed. The  order  was  given,  therefore,  for  "  all 
hands  to  clear  ship  for  action  ! "  It  was  in  the 
reckless  nature  of  sailors  to  exult  in  this  sum- 
mons ;  for  success  and  audacity  go  hand  in  hand, 
and  long  familiarity  with  the  first  had,  even  at 
that  early  day,  given  a  confidence  that  often  ap- 
proached temerity  to  the  seamen  of  Great  Britain 
and  her  dependencies.  The  mandate  to  prepare 
for  battle  was  received  by  the  feeble  crew  of  the 
Coquette  as  it  had  often  been  received  before 
when  her  decks  were  filled  with  the  number  ne- 
cessary to  give  full  efficiency  to  her  armament ; 
though  a  few  of  the  older  and  more  experienced 
of  the  mariners,  men  in  whom  confidence  had 


PREPARATIONS  FOR  BATTLE. 


151 


been  diminished  by  time,  were  seen  to  shake  their 
heads  as  if  they  doubted  the  prudence  of  the  in- 
tended contest. 

Whatever  might  have  been  the  secret  hesita- 
tion of  Ludlow  when  the  character  and  force  of 
his  enemies  were  clearly  established,  he  betrayed 
no  signs  of  irresolution  from  the  moment  when 
his  decision  appeared  to  be  taken.  The  necessa- 
ry orders  were  issued  calmly,  and  with  the  clear- 
ness and  readiness  that  perhaps  constitute  the 
greatest  merit  of  a  naval  captain.  The  yards 
were  slung  in  chains  ;  the  booms  were  sent  down ; 
the  lofty  sails  were  furled,  and,  in  short,  all  the 
preparations  that  were  then  customary  were  made 
with  the  usual  promptitude  and  skill.  Then  the 
drum  beat  to  quarters,  and,  when  the  people  were 
at  their  stations,  their  young  commander  had  a 
better  opportunity  of  examining  into  the  true  ef- 
ficiency of  his  ship.  Calling  to  the  master,  he 
ascended  the  poop,  in  order  that  they  might  con- 
fer together  with  less  risk  of  being  overheard? 
and  at  the  same  time  better  observe  the  manoeu- 
vres of  the  enemy. 

The  stranger  had,  as  Trysail  perceived,  sud- 
denly wore  round  on  his  heel,  and  laid  his  head 
to  the  northward.  The  change  in  the  course 
brought  him  before  the  wind,  and,  as  he  imme- 
diately spread  all  the  canvas  that  would  draw,  he 
was  approaching  fast.  During  the  time  occupied 
in  preparation  on  board  the  Coquette,  his  hull 
had  risen  as  it  were  from  out  of  the  water ;  and 
Ludlow  and  his  companion  had  not  studied  his 
appearance  long,  from  the  poop,  before  the  streak 
of  white  paint,  dotted  with  ports,  which  marks  a 
vessel-of-war,  became  visible  to  the  naked  eye. 
As  the  cruiser  of  Queen  Anne  continued  also  to 
steer  in  the  direction  of  the  chase,  half  an  hour 
more  bro  lght  them  sufficiently  near  to  each  other, 
to  remove  all  doubts  of  their  respective  characters 
and  force.  The  stranger  then  came  to  the  wind, 
and  made  his  preparations  for  combat. 

"  The  fellow  shows  a  stout  heart  and  a  warm 
battery,"  observed  the  master,  when  the  broad- 
side of  the  enemy  became  visible,  by  this  change 
in  his  position.  "  Six-and-twenty  teeth,  by  my 
count !  though  the  eye-teeth  must  be  wanting,  or 
he  would  never  be  so  foolhardy  as  to  brave  Queen 
Anne's  Coquette  in  this  impudent  fashion !  A 
prettily-turned  boat,  Captain  Ludlow,  and  one 
nimble  enough  in  her  movements.  But  look  at 
his  top-sails.  Just  like  his  character,  sir,  all 
hoist ;  and  with  little  or  no  head  to  them.  I'll 
not  deny  but  the  hull  is  well  enough,  for  that  is 
no  more  than  carpenter's  work;  but  when  it 
comes  to  the  rig,  or  trim,  or  cut  of  a  sail,  how 
should  a  V Orient  or  a  Brest  man  understand  what  | 


is  comely  ?  There  is  no  equalling,  after  all,  a 
good,  wholesome,  honest  English  topsail ;  which 
is  neither  too  narrow  in  the  head,  nor  too  deep  in 
the  hoist ;  with  a  bolt-rope  of  exactly  the  true 
size,  robands  and  earings  and  bowlines  that  look 
as  if  they  grew  there,  and  sheets  that  neither  na- 
ture nor  art  could  alter  to  advantage.  Here  are 
these  Americans,  now,  making  innovations  in  ship- 
building, and  in  the  sparring  of  vessels,  as  if  any 
thing  could  be  gained  by  quitting  the  customs 
and  opinions  of  their  ancestors  !  Any  man  may 
see  that  all  they  have  about  them,  that  is  good 
for  any  thing,  is  English  ;  while  all  their  nonsense 
and  new-fangled  changes  come  from  their  own 
vanity." 

"  They  get  along,  Master  Trysail,  notwith- 
standing," returned  the  captain,  who,  though  a 
sufficiently  loyal  subject,  could  not  forget  his 
birthplace;  "and  many  is  the  time  this  ship, 
one  of  the  finest  models  of  Plymouth,  has  been 
bothered  to  overhaul  the  coasters  of  these  seas. 
Here  is  the  brigantine,  that  has  laughed  at  us  on 
our  best  tack,  and  with  our  choice  of  wind." 

"  One  cannot  say  where  that  brigantine  was 
built,  Captain  Ludlow.  It  may  be  here,  it  may 
be  there — for  I  look  upon  her  as  a  nondescript, 
as  old  Admiral  Top  used  to  call  the  galliots  of 
the  north  seas — but,  concerning  these  new  Amer- 
ican fashions,  of  what  use  are  they,  I  would  ask, 
Captain  Ludlow  ?  In  the  first  place,  they  are 
neither  English  nor  French,  which  is  as  much  as 
to  confess  they  are  altogether  outlandish :  in  the 
second  place,  they  disturb  the  harmony  and  estab- 
lished usages  among  wrights  and  sail-makers,  and, 
though  they  may  get  along  well  enough  now, 
sooner  or  later,  take  my  word  for  it,  they  will 
come  to  harm.  It  is  unreasonable  to  suppose 
that  a  new  people  can  discover  any  thing  in  the 
construction  of  a  ship,  that  has  escaped  the  wis- 
dom of  seamen  as  old.  The  Frenchman  is  clew- 
ing up  his  top-gallant-sails,  and  means  to  let  them 
hang ;  which  is  much  the  same  as  condemning 
them  at  once — and,  therefore,  I  am  of  opinion 
that  all  these  new  fashions  will  come  to  no  good." 

"  Your  reasoning  is  absolutely  conclusive, 
Master  Trysail,"  returned  the  captain,  whose 
thoughts  were  differently  employed.  "  I  agree 
with  you,  it  would  be  safer  for  the  stranger  to 
send  down  his  yards." 

"  There  is  something  manly  and  becoming  in 
seeing  a  ship  strip  herself,  as  she  comes  into  ac- 
tion, sir !  It  is  like  a  boxer  taking  off  his  jacket, 
with  the  intention  of  making  a  fair  stand-up  fight 
for  it. — That  fellow  is  filling  away  again,  and 
means  to  manoeuvre  before  he  comes  up  fairly  to 
his  work," 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


152 

The  eye  of  Ludlow  had  never  quitted  the 
stranger.  He  saw  that  the  moment  for  serious 
action  was  not  distant ;  and,  bidding  Trysail  keep 
the  vessel  on  her  course,  he  descended  to  the 
quarter-deck.  For  a  single  instant,  the  young 
commander  paused,  with  his  hand  on  the  door 
of  the  cabin ;  then,  overcoming  his  reluctance,  he 
entered  the  apartment. 

The  Coquette  was  built  after  a  fashion  much 
in  vogue  a  century  since,  and  which,  by  a  fickle- 
ness that  influences  marine  architecture  as  well  as 
less  important  things,  is  again  coming  into  use 
for  vessels  of  her  force.  The  accommodations  of 
the  commander  were  on  the  same  deck  with  the 
batteries  of  the  ship,  and  they  were  frequently 
made  to  contain  two  or  even  four  guns  of  the 
armament.  When  Ludlow  entered  his  cabin, 
therefore,  he  found  a  crew  stationed  around  the 
gun  which  was  placed  on  the  side  next  the  enemy, 
and  all  the  customary  arrangements  made  which 
precede  a  combat.  The  state-rooms  abaft,  how- 
ever, as  well  as  the  little  apartment  which  lay  be- 
tween them,  were  closed.  Glancing  his  eye  about 
him,  and  observing  the  carpenters  in  readiness, 
he  made  a  signal  for  them  to  knock  away  the 
bulkheads,  and  lay  the  whole  of  the  fighting  part 
of  the  ship  in  common.  While  this  duty  was  go- 
ing on,  he  entered  the  after-cabin. 

Alderman  Van  Beverout  and  his  companions 
were  found  together,  and  evidently  in  expectation 
of  the  visit  they  now  received.  Passing  coolly  by 
the  former,  Ludlow  approached  his  niece,  and, 
taking  her  hand,  he  led  her  to  the  quarter-deck, 
making  a  sign  for  her  female  attendant  to  follow. 
Descending  into  the  depths  of  the  ship,  the  cap- 
tain conducted  his  charge  into  a  part  of  the 
berth-deck  that  was  below  the  water-line,  and  as 
much  removed  from  danger  as  she  could  well  be, 
without  encountering  a  foul  air,  or  sights  that 
might  be  painful  to  one  of  her  sex  and  habits. 

"  Here  is  as  much  safety  as  a  vessel-of-war 
affords  in  a  moment  like  this,"  he  said,  when  his 
companion  was  silently  seated  on  a  mess-chest. 
"  On  no  account  quit  the  spot,  till  I — or  some 
other — advise  you  it  maybe  done  without  hazard." 

Alida  had  submitted  to  be  led  thither  without 
a  question.  Though  her  color  went  and  came, 
she  saw  the  little  dispositions  that  were  made  for 
her  comfort,  and  without  which,  even  at  that  mo- 
ment, the  young  sailor  could  not  quit  her  in  the 
same  silence.  But  when  they  were  ended,  and 
her  conductor  was  about  to  retire,  his  name  es- 
caped her  lips  by  an  exclamation  that  seemed 
hurried  and  involuntary. 

"  Can  I  do  aught  else  to  quiet  your  apprehen- 
sions ? "  the  young  man  inquired,  though  he 


studiously  avoided  her  eye,  as  he  turned  to  put 
the  question.  "  I  know  your  strength  of  mind, 
and  that  you  have  a  resolution  which  exceeds  the 
courage  of  your  sex  ;  else  I  would  not  venture  so 
freely  to  point  out  the  danger  which  may  beset 
one,  even  here,  without  a  self-command  and  dis- 
cretion that  shall  restrain  all  sudden  impulses  of 
fear." 

"  Notwithstanding  your  generous  interpretation 
of  my  character,  Ludlow,  I  am  but  woman  after 
all." 

"  I  did  not  mistake  you  for  an  amazon,"  re- 
turned the  young  man,  smiling,  perceiving  that  she 
checked  her  words  by  a  sudden  effort.  "  All  I  I 
expect  from  you  is  the  triumph  of  reason  over 
female  terror.  I  shall  not  conceal  that  the  odds 
— perhaps  I  may  say  that  the  chances  are  against 
us  ;  yet  the  enemy  must  pay  for  my  ship  ere  he  1 
has  her  !  She  will  be  none  the  worse  defended, 
Alida,  from  the  consciousness  that  thy  liberty 
and  comfort  depend  in  some  measure  on  our  ex- 
ertions.— Would  you  say  more  ?  " 

La  belle  Barberie  struggled  with  herself,  and  . 
she  became  calm,  at  least  in  exterior. 

"  There  has  been  a  singular  misconception  be- 
tween us,  but  this  is  no  moment  for  exclamation ! 
Ludlow,  I  would  not  have  you  part  with  me,  at  '= 
such  a  time  as  this,  with  that  cold  and  reproach-  . 
ful  eye ! " 

She  paused.  When  the  young  man  ventured 
to  raise  his  look,  he  saw  the  beautiful  girl  stand- 
ing with  a  hand  extended  toward  him,  as  if  offer- 
ing a  pledge  of  amity ;  while  the  crimson  on  her 
cheek,  and  her  yielding  but  half-averted  eye, 
spoke  with  the  eloquence  of  maiden  modesty. 
Seizing  the  hand,  he  answered,  hastily : 

"  Time  was  when  this  action  would  have  made 
me  happy — " 

The  young  man  paused,  for  his  gaze  had  un- 
consciously become  riveted  on  the  rings  of  the 
hand  he  held.  Alida  understood  the  look,  and, 
drawing  one  of  the  jewels,  she  offered  it  with  a 
smile  that  was  as  attractive  as  her  beauty. 

"  One  of  these  may  be  spared,"  she  said. 
"  Take  it,  Ludlow ;  and  when  thy  present  duty 
shall  be  performed,  return  it,  as  a  gage  that  I 
have  promised  that  no  explanation  which  you  may 
have  a  right  to  ask  shall  be  withheld." 

The  young  man  took  the  ring  and  forced  it  on 
the  smallest  of  his  fingers,  in  a  mechanical  man- 
ner, and  with  a  bewildered  look  that  seemed  to 
inquire  if  some  one  of  those  which  remained  was 
not  the  token  of  a  plighted  faith.  It  is  probable 
that  he  might  have  continued  the  discourse,  had 
not  a  gun  been  fired  from  the  enemy.  It  recalled 
him  to  the  more  serious  business  of  the  hour. 


LUDLOW'S 

Already  more  than  half  disposed  to  believe  all  he 
could  wish,  he  raised  the  fair  hand,  which  had 
just  bestowed  the  boon,  to  his  lips,  and  rushed 
upon  deck. 

"  The  monsieur  is  beginning  to  bluster,"  said 
Trysail,  who  had  witnessed  the  descent  of  his 
commander,  at  that  moment  and  on  such  an  er- 
rand, with  great  dissatisfaction.  "  Although  his 
shot  fell  short,  it  is  too  much  to  let  a  Frenchman 
have  the  credit  of  the  first  word." 

"  He  has  merely  given  the  weather-gun,  the 
signal  of  defiance.  Let  him  come  down,  and  he 
will  not  find  us  in  a  hurry  to  leave  him  ! " 

"  No,  no :  as  for  that,  we  are  snug  enough  ! " 
returned  the  master,  chuckling  as  he  surveyed 
the  half-naked  spars,  and  the  light  top-hamper, 
to  which  he  had  himself  reduced  the  ship.  "  If 
running  is  to  be  our  play,  we  have  made  a  false 
move  at  the  beginning  of  the  game.  These  top- 
sails, spanker,  and  jib,  make  a  show  that  says 
more  for  bottom  than  for  speed.  Well,  come 
what  will  of  this  affair,  it  will  leave  me  a  master, 
though  it  is  beyond  the  power  of  the  best  duke 
in  England  to  rob  me  of  my  share  of  the  honor !  " 

With  this  consolation  for  his  perfectly  hope- 
less condition  as  respects  promotion,  the  old  sea- 
man walked  forward,  examining  critically  into  the 
state  of  the  vessel ;  while  his  young  commander, 
having  cast  a  look  about  him,  motioned  to  his 
prisoner  and  the  alderman  to  follow  to  the  poop. 

"I  do  not  pretend  to  inquire  into  the  nature 
of  the  tie  which  unites  you  with  some  in  this 
ship,"  Ludlow  commenced,  addressing  his  words 
to  Seadrift,  though  he  kept  his  gaze  on  the  recent 
gift  of  Alida,  "  but,  that  it  must  be  strong,  is  evi- 
dent by  the  interest  they  have  taken  in  your  fate. 
One  who  is  thus  esteemed  should  set  a  value  on 
himself.  How  far  you  have  trifled  with  the  laws, 
I  do  not  wish  to  say ;  but  here  is  an  opportunity 
to  redeem  some  of  the  public  favor.  You  are  a 
seaman,  and  need  not  be  told  that  my  ship  is  not 
as  strongly  manned  as  one  could  wish  her  at  this 
moment,  and  that  the  services  of  every  English- 
man will  be  welcome.  Take  charge  of  these  six 
guns,  and  depend  on  my  honor  that  your  devo- 
tion to  the  flag  shall  not  go  unrequited." 

"  You  much  mistake  my  vocation,  noble  cap- 
tain," returned  the  dealer  in  contraband,  faintly 
laughing.  "  Though  one  of  the  seas,  I  am  one 
more  used  to  the  calm  latitudes  than  to  these 
whirlwinds  of  war.  You  have  visited  the  brigan- 
tine  of  our  mistress,  and  must  have  seen  that  her 
temple  resembles  that  of  Janus  more  than  that  of 
Mars.  The  deck  of  the  Water-Witch  has  none 
of  this  frowning  garniture  of  artillery." 

Ludlow  listened  in  amazement.    Surprise,  in- 


SURPRISE.  153 

credulity,  and  scorn,  were  each  in  turn  expressed 
in  his  frowning  countenance. 

"  This  is  unbecoming  language  for  one  of  your 
calling,"  he  said,  scarce  deeming  it  necessary  to 
conceal  the  contempt  he  felt.  "  Do  you  acknowl- 
edge fealty  to  this  ensign — are  you  an  English- 
man ?  " 

"  I  am  such  as  Heaven  was  pleased  to  make 
me — fitter  for  the  zephyr  than  the  gale — the  jest 
than  the  war-shout — the  merry  moment  than  the 
angry  mood." 

"  Is  this  the  man  whose  name  for  daring  has 
passed  into  a  proverb — the  dauntless,  reckless, 
skilful  'Skimmer  of  the  Seas  ?  '  " 

"North  is  not  more  removed  from  south  than 
I  from  him  in  the  qualities  you  seek !  It  was  not 
my  duty  to  undeceive  you  as  to  the  value  of  your 
captive,  while  he  whose  services  are  beyond  price 
to  our  mistress  was  still  on  the  coast.  So  far 
from  being  him  you  name,  brave  captain,  I  claim 
to  be  no  more  than  one  of  his  agents,  who,  having 
some  experience  in  the  caprices  of  woman,  he 
trusts  to  recommend  his  wares  to  female  fancies. 
Though  so  useless  in  inflicting  injuries,  I  may 
make  bold,  however,  to  rate  myself  as  excellent 
at  consolation.  Suffer  that  I  appease  the  fears  of 
la  belle  Barb6rie  during  the  coming  tumult,  and 
you  shall  own  that  one  more  skilful  in  that  mer- 
ciful office  is  rare  indeed  ! " 

"  Comfort  whom,  where,  and  what  thou  wilt, 
miserable  effigy  of  manhood — but  hold,  there  is 
less  of  terror  than  of  artifice  in  that  lurking  smile 
and  treacherous  eye ! " 

"Discredit  both,  generous  captain  !  On  the 
faith  of  one  who  can  be  sincere  at  need,  a  whole- 
some fear  is  uppermost,  whatever  else  the  disobe- 
dient members  may  betray.  I  could  fain  weep 
rather  than  be  thought  valiant  just  now !  " 

Ludlow  listened  in  wonder.  He  had  raised  an 
arm  to  arrest  the  retreat  of  the  young  mariner, 
and  by  a  natural  movement  his  hand  slid  along 
the  limb  it  had  grasped,  until  it  held  that  of  Sea- 
drift.  The  instant  he  touched  the  soft  and  un- 
gloved palm,  an  idea,  as  novel  as  it  was  sudden, 
crossed  his  brain.  Retreating  a  step  or  two,  he 
examined  the  light  and  agile  form  of  the  other, 
from  head  to  feet.  The  frown  of  displeasure, 
which  had  clouded  his  brow,  changed  to  a  look 
of  unfeigned  surprise  ;  and,  for  the  first  time,  the 
tones  of  the  voice  came  over  his  recollection  as 
being  softer  and  more  melodious  than  is  wont  in 
man. 

"  Truly,  thou  art  not  the  '  Skimmer  of  the 
Seas  ! '  "  he  exclaimed,  when  his  short  examina- 
tion was  ended. 

"  No  truth  more  certain.    I  am  one  of  little 


154 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


account  in  this  rude  encounter,  though,  were  that 
gallant  seaman  here,"  and  the  color  deepened  on 
the  cheeks  of  Seadrift  as  he  spoke,  "  his  arm  and 
counsel  might  prove  a  host !  Oh  !  I  have  seen 
him  in  scenes  far  more  trying  than  this,  when  the 
elements  have  conspired  with  other  dangers. 
The  example  of  his  steadiness  and  spirit  has  giv- 
en courage  even  to  the  feeblest  heart  in  the  brig- 
antine !  Now  suffer  me  to  offer  consolation  to  the 
timid  Alida." 

"  I  should  little  merit  her  gratitude,  were  the 
request  refused,"  returned  Ludlow.  "  Go,  gay  and 
gallant  Master  Seadrift !  if  the  enemy  fears  thy 
presence  on  the  deck  as  little  as  I  dread  it  with 
la  belle  Barberie,  thy  services  here  will  be  use- 
less ! " 

Seadrift  colored  to  the  temples,  crossed  his 
arms  meekly  on  his  bosom,  sank  in  an  attitude 
of  leave-taking,  that  was  so  equivocal  as  to  cause 
the  attentive  and  critical  young  captain  to  smile, 
and  then  glided  past  him  and  disappeared  through 
a  hatchway. 

The  eye  of  Ludlow  followed  the  active  and 
graceful  form,  while  it  continued  in  sight ;  and, 
when  it  was  no  longer  visible,  he  faced  the  alder- 
man with  a  look  which  seemed  to  inquire  how 
far  he  might  be  acquainted  with  the  true  charac- 
ter of  the  individual  who  had  been  the  cause  of  so 
much  pain  to  himself. 

"  Have  I  done  well,  sir,  in  permitting  a  sub- 
ject of  Queen  Anne  to  quit  us  at  this  emergency  ?  " 
he  demanded,  observing  that  either  the  phlegm 
or  self-command  of  Myndert  rendered  him  proof 
to  scrutiny. 

"  The  lad  may  be  termed  contraband  of  war," 
returned  the  alderman,  without  moving  a  muscle ; 
"  an  article  that  will  command  a  better  price  in  a 
quiet  than  in  a  turbulent  market.  In  short,  Cap- 
tain Cornelius  Ludlow,  this  Master  Seadrift  will 
not  answer  thy  purpose  at  all  in  combat." 

"  And  is  this  example  of  heroism  to  go  any 
further,  or  may  I  count  on  the  assistance  of  Mr. 
Alderman  VanBeverout? — He  has  the  reputation 
of  a  loyal  citizen." 

"As  for  loyalty,"  returned  the  alderman,  "so 
far  as  saying  '  God  bless  the  queen,'  at  city  feasts 
will  go,  none  are  more  so.  A  wish  is  not  an  ex- 
pensive return  for  the  protection  of  her  fleets  and 
armies,  and  I  wish  her  and  you  success  against 
the  enemy,  with  all  my  heart.  But  I  never  ad- 
mired the  manner  in  which  the  States-General 
were  dispossessed  of  their  territories  on  this  con- 
tinent, Master  Ludlow,  and  therefore  I  pay  the 
Stuarts  little  more  than  I  owe  them  in  law." 

"  Which  is  as  much  as  to  say,  that  you  will 
join  the  gay  smuggler,  in  administering  consola- 


tion to  one  whose  spirit  places  her  above  the 
need  of  such  succor." 

"Not  so  fast,  young  gentleman.  We  mer- 
cantile men  like  to  see  offsets  in  our  books,  before 
they  are  balanced.  Whatever  may  be  my  opin- 
ion of  the  reigning  family,  which  I  only  utter  to 
you  in  confidence,  and  not  as  coin  that  is  to  pass 
from  hand  to  hand,  my  love  for  the  Grand  Mo- 
narque  is  still  less.  Louis  is  at  loggerheads  with 
the  United  Provinces,  as  well  as  with  our  gracious 
queen  ;  and  I  see  no  harm  in  opposing  one  of  his 
cruisers,  since  they  certainly  annoy  trade,  and 
render  returns  for  investments  inconveniently  un- 
certain. I  have  heard  artillery  in  my  time,  hav- 
ing in  my  younger  days  led  a  band  of  city  volun- 
teers in  many  a  march  and  countermarch  around 
the  Bowling  Green ;  and  for  the  honor  of  the 
second  ward  of  the  good  town  of  Manhattan,  I 
am  now  ready  to  undertake  to  show  that  all 
knowledge  of  the  art  has  not  entirely  departed 
from  me." 

"  That  is  a  manly  answer,  and,  provided  it  be 
sustained  by  a  corresponding  countenance,  there 
shall  be  no  impertinent  inquiry  into  motives. 
'Tis  the  officer  that  makes  the  ship  victorious ; 
for,  when  he  sets  a  good  example  and  understands 
his  duty,  there  is  little  fear  of  the  men.  Choose 
your  position  among  any  of  these  guns,  and  we  will 
make  an  effort  to  disappoint  yon  servants  of 
Louis,  whether  we  do  it  as  Englishmen,  or  only 
as  the  allies  of  the  Seven  Provinces." 

Myndert  descended  to  the  quarter-deck,  and 
having  deliberately  deposited  his  coat  on  the  cap- 
stan, replaced  his  wig  by  a  handkerchief,  and  tight- 
ened the  buckle  that  did  the  office  of  suspenders, 
he  squinted  along  the  guns,  with  a  certain  air  that 
served  to  assure  the  spectators  he  had  at  least  no 
dread  of  the  recoil. 

Alderman  Yan  Beverout  was  a  personage  far 
too  important  not  to  be  known  by  most  of  those 
who  frequented  the  goodly  town  of  which  he  was 
a  civic  officer.  His  presence,  therefore,  among 
the  men,  not  a  few  of  whom  were  natives  of  the 
colony,  had  a  salutary  effect :  some  yielding  to  the 
sympathy  which  is  natural  to  a  hearty  and  en- 
couraging example,  while  it  is  possible  there  were 
a  few  that  argued  less  of  the  danger,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  indifference  of  a  man  who,  being 
so  rich,  had  so  many  motives  to  take  good  care 
of  bis  person.  Be  this  as  it  might,  the  burgher 
was  received  by  a  cheer  which  drew  a  short  but 
pithy  address  from  him,  in  which  he  exhorted  his 
companions  in  arms  to  do  their  duty,  in  a  manner 
which  should  teach  the  Frenchmen  the  wisdom 
of  leaving  that  coast  in  future  free  from  annoy- 
ance ;  while  he  wisely  abstained  from  all  the  com* 


DUMONT  DE  LA  ROCHEFORTE. 


155 


monplace  allusions  to  king  and  country — a  sub- 
ject  to  which  he  felt  his  inability  to  do  proper 
justice. 

"  Let  every  man  remember  that  cause  for 
courage,  which  may  be  most  agreeable  to  his  own 
habits  and  opinions,"  concluded  this  imitator  of 
the  Hannibals  and  Scipios  of  old ;  "  for  that  is 
the  surest  and  the  briefest  method  of  bringing 
his  mind  into  an  obstinate  state.  In  my  own 
case,  there  is  no  want  of  motive ;  and  I  dare  say 
each  one  of  you  may  find  some  sufficient  reason 
for  entering  heart  and  hand  into  this  battle.  Pro- 
tests and  credit!  what  would  become  of  the 
affairs  of  the  best  house  in  the  colonies,  were  its 
principal  to  be  led  a  captive  to  Brest  or  l'Orient  ? 
It  might  derange  the  business  of  the  whole  city. 
I'll  not  offend  your  patriotism  with  such  a  sup- 
position, but  at  once  believe  that  your  minds  are 
resolved,  like  my  own,  to  resist  to  the  last ;  for 
this  is  an  interest  which  is  general,  as  all  ques- 
tions of  a  commercial  nature  become,  through 
their  influence  on  the  happiness  and  prosperity 
of  society." 

Having  terminated  his  address  in  so  apposite 
and  public-spirited  a  manner,  the  worthy  burgher 
hemmed  loudly,  and  resumed  his  accustomed  si- 
lence, perfectly  assured  of  his  own  applause.  If 
the  matter  of  Myndert's  discourse  wears  too  much 
the  air  of  an  undivided  attention  to  his  own  in- 
terests, the  reader  will  not  forget  it  is  by  this 
concentration  of  individuality  that  most  of  the 
mercantile  prosperity  of  the  world  is  achieved. 
The  seamen  listened  with  admiration,  for  they 
understood  no  part  of  the  appeal,  and,  next  to  a 
statement  which  shall  be  so  lucid  as  to  induce 
every  hearer  to  believe  it  is  no  more  than  a  happy 
explanation  of  his  own  ideas,  that  which  is  un- 
intelligible is  apt  to  unite  most  suffrages  in  its 
favor. 

"  You  see  your  enemy,  and  you  know  your 
work !  "  said  the  clear  voice  of  Ludlow,  who,  as 
he  passed  among  the  people  of  the  Coquette, 
spoke  to  them  in  that  steady,  unwavering  tone 
which,  in  moments  of  danger,  goes  to  the  heart. 
"  I  shall  not  pretend  that  we  are  as  strong  as  I 
could  wish ;  but  the  greater  the  necessity  for  a 
strong  pull,  the  readier  a  true  seaman  will  be  to 
give  it.  There  are  no  nails  in  that  ensign.  When 
I  am  dead,  you  may  pull  it  down  if  you  please ; 
but  so  long  as  I  live,  my  men,  there  it  shall  fly ! 
And  now,  one  cheer  to  show  your  humor,  and  let 
the  rest  of  your  noise  come  from  the  guns." 

The  crew  complied,  with  a  full-mouthed  and 
hearty  hurrah  ! — Trysail  assured  a  young,  laugh- 
ing, careless  midshipman,  who  even  at  that  mo- 
ment could  enjoy  an  uproar,  that  he  had  seldom 


heard  a  prettier  piece  of  sea-eloquence  than  that 
which  had  just  fallen  from  the  captain  ;  it  being 
both  "  neat  and  gentleman-like." 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

"  Sir,  it  is 

A  charge  too  heavy  for  my  strength ;  but  yet 
We'll  strive  to  bear  it  for  your  worthy  sake, 
To  the  extreme  edge  of  hazard." 

All's  well  that  ends  well. 

The  vessel,  which  appeared  so  inopportunely 
for  the  safety  of  the  ill-manned  British  cruiser, 
was,  in  truth,  a  ship  that  had  roved  from  among 
the  islands  of  the  Caribbean  Sea,  in  quest  of 
some  such  adventure  as  that  which  now  presented 
itself.  She  was  called  La  Belle  Fontange,  and  her 
commander,  a  youth  of  two-and-twenty,  was  al- 
ready well  known  in  the  salons  of  the  Marais, 
and  behind  the  walls  of  the  Rue  Basses  des  Rem- 
parts,  as  one  of  the  most  gay  and  amiable  of 
those  who  frequented  the  former,  and  one  of  the 
most  spirited  and  skilful  among  the  adventurers 
who  sometimes  trusted  to  their  address  in  the 
latter.  Rank,  and  influence  at  Versailles,  had 
procured  for  the  young  Chevalier  Dumont  de  la 
Rocheforte  a  command  to  which  he  could  lay  no 
claim  either  by  his  experience  or  his  services. 
His  mother,  a  near  relative  of  one  of  the  beauties 
of  the  court,  had  been  commanded  to  use  sea- 
bathing, as  a  preventive  against  the  consequences 
of  the  bite  of  a  rapid  lap-dog.  By  way  of  a  suit- 
able episode  to  the  long  descriptions  she  was  in  the 
daily  habit  of  writing  to  those  whose  knowledge 
of  her  new  element  was  limited  to  the  constant 
view  of  a  few  ponds  and  ditches  teeming  with 
carp,  or  an  occasional  glimpse  of  some  of  the  tur- 
bid reaches  of  the  Seine,  she  had  vowed  to  de- 
vote her  youngest  child  to  Neptune  !  In  due  time, 
that  is  to  say,  while  the  poetic  sentiment  was  at 
the  access,  the  young  chevalier  was  duly  enrolled, 
and,  in  a  time  that  greatly  anticipated  all  regular 
and  judicious  preferment,  he  was  placed  in  com- 
mand  of  the  corvette  in  question  and  sent  to  the 
Indies  to  gain  glory  for  himself  and  his  country. 

The  Chevalier  Dumont  de  la  Rocheforte  was 
brave,  but  his  courage  was  not  the  calm  and  si- 
lent self-possession  of  a  seaman.  Like  himself, 
it  was  lively,  buoyant,  thoughtless,  bustling,  and 
full  of  animal  feeling.  He  had  all  the  pride  of  a 
gentleman,  and  unfortunately  for  the  duty  which 
he  had  now  for  the  first  time  to  perform,  one  of 
its  dictates  taught  him  to  despise  that  species  of 
mechanical  knowledge  which  it  was,  just  at  this 


156 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


moment,  so  important  to  the  commander  of  La 
Fontange  to  possess.  He  could  dance  to  admira- 
tion, did  the  honors  of  his  cabin  with  faultless 
elegance,  and  had  caused  the  death  of  an  excel- 
lent mariner,  who  had  accidentally  fallen  over- 
board, by  jumping  into  the  sea  to  aid  him,  without 
knowing  how  to  swim  a  stroke  himself — a  rashness 
that  had  diverted  those  exertions  which  might 
have  saved  the  unfortunate  sailor,  from  the  assist- 
ance of  the  subordinate  to  the  safety  of  his  supe- 
rior. He  wrote  sonnets  prettily,  and  had  some 
ideas  of  the  new  philosophy  which  was  just  begin- 
ning to  dawn  upon  the  world ;  but  the  cordage 
of  bis  ship,  and  the  lines  of  a  mathematical  prob- 
lem, equally  presented  labyrinths  he  had  never 
threaded. 

It  was  perhaps  fortunate  for  the  safety  of  all  in 
her,  that  La  Belle  Fontange  possessed  an  inferior 
officer,  in  the  person  of  a  native  of  Boulogne-sur- 
Mer,  who  was  quite  competent  to  see  that  she  kept 
the  proper  course,  and  that  she  displayed  none 
of  the  top-gallants  of  her  pride  at  unpropitious 
moments.  The  ship  itself  was  sufficiently  and 
finely  moulded,  of  a  light  and  airy  rig,  and  of 
established  reputation  for  speed.  If  it  was  defec- 
tive in  any  thing,  it  had  the  fault,  in  common 
with  its  commander,  of  a  want  of  sufficient  solidi- 
ty to  resist  the  vicissitudes  and  dangers  of  the 
turbulent  element  on  which  it  was  destined  to 
act. 

The  vessels  were  now  within  a  mile  of  each 
other.  The  breeze  was  steady,  and  sufficiently 
fresh  for  all  the  ordinary  evolutions  of  a  naval 
combat ;  while  the  water  was  just  quiet  enough 
to  permit  the  ships  to  be  handled  with  confidence 
and  accuracy.  La  Fontange  was  running  with 
her  head  to  the  eastward,  and,  as  she  had  the  ad- 
vantage of  the  wind,  her  tall  tracery  of  spars 
leaned  gently  in  the  direction  of  her  adversary. 
The  Coquette  was  standing  on  the  other  tack 
and  necessarily  inclined  from  her  enemy.  Both 
vessels  were  stripped  to  their  topsails,  spankers, 
and  jibs,  though  the  lofty  sails  of  the  Frenchman 
were  fluttering  in  the  breeze,  like  the  graceful 
folds  of  some  fanciful  drapery.  No  human  being 
was  distinctly  visible  in  either  fabric,  though  dark 
clusters  around  each  mast-head  showed  that  the 
ready  topmen  were  prepared  to  discharge  their 
duties,  even  in  the  confusion  and  dangers  of  the 
impending  contest.  Once  or  twice,  La  Fontange  in- 
clined her  head  more  in  the  direction  of  her  adver- 
sary ;  then,  sweeping  up  again  to  the  wind,  she  stood 
on  in  stately  beauty.  The  moment  was  near  when 
the  ships  were  about  to  cross  each  other,  at  a  point 
where  a  musket  would  readily  send  its  messenger 
across  the  water  that  lay  between  them.  Ludlow, 


who  closely  watched  each  change  of  position,  and 
every  rise  and  fall  of  the  breeze,  went  on  the  poop, 
and  swept  the  horizon  with  his  glass,  for  the  last 
time  before  his  ship  should  be  enveloped  in  smoke, 
To  his  surprise,  he  discovered  a  pyramid  of  can- 
vas rising  above  the  sea,  in  the  direction  of  the 
wind.  The  sail  was  clearly  visible  to  the  naked 
eye,  and  had  only  escaped  earlier  observation  in 
the  duties  of  so  urgent  a  moment.  Calling  the 
master  to  his  side,  he  inquired  his  opinion  con- 
cerning the  character  of  the  second  stranger. 
But  Trysail  confessed  it  exceeded  even  his  long- 
tried  powers  of  observation,  to  say  more  than 
that  it  was  a  ship  running  before  the  wind,  with 
a  cloud  of  sail  spread.  After  a  second  and  a 
longer  look,  however,  the  experienced  master  ven- 
tured to  add  that  the  stranger  had  the  squareness 
and  symmetry  of  a  cruiser,  but  of  what  size  he 
would  not  yet  presume  to  declare. 

"  It  may  be  a  light  ship,  under  her  top-gallant 
and  studding  sails,  or  it  may  be  that  we  see  only 
the  lofty  duck  of  some  heavier  vessel,  Captain 
Ludlow  —  ha !  he  has  caught  the  eye  of  the 
Frenchman,  for  the  corvette  has  signals  abroad ! " 

"  To  your  glass  ! — If  the  stranger  answer,  we 
have  no  choice  but  our  speed." 

There  was  another  keen  and  anxious  examina- 
tion of  the  upper  spars  of  the  distant  ship,  but 
the  direction  of  the  wind  prevented  any  signs  of 
her  communicating  with  the  corvette  from  being 
visible.  La  Fontange  appeared  equally  uncertain 
of  the  character  of  the  stranger,  and  for  a  mo- 
ment there  was  some  evidence  of  an  intention  to 
change  her  course.  But  the  moment  for  indeci- 
sion had  passed.  The  ships  were  already  sweep- 
ing up  abreast  of  each  other,  under  the  constant 
pressure  of  the  breeze. 

"  Be  ready,  men !  "  said  Ludlow,  in  a  low  but 
firm  voice,  retaining  his  elevated  post  on  the 
poop,  while  he  motioned  to  his  companion  to  re- 
turn to  the  main  deck.    "Fire  at  his  flash  !  " 

Intense  expectation  succeeded.  The  two 
graceful  fabrics  sailed  steadily  on,  and  came  with- 
in hail.  So  profound  was  the  stillness  in  the  Co- 
quette, that  the  rushing  sound  of  the  water  she 
heaped  under  her  bows  was  distinctly  audible  to 
all  on  board,  and  might  be  likened  to  the  deep 
breathing  of  some  vast  animal,  that  was  collecting 
its  physical  energies  for  some  unusual  exertion. 
On  the  other  hand,  tongues  were  loud  and  clam- 
orous among  the  cordage  of  La  Fontange.  Just  as 
the  ships  were  fairly  abeam,  the  voice  of  young 
Dumont  was  heard,  shouting  through  a  trumpet 
for  his  men  to  fire.  Ludlow  smiled,  in  a  sea- 
man's scorn.  Raising  his  own  trumpet,  with  a 
quiet  gesture  to  his  attentive  and  ready  crew,  the 


A  NAVAL  ENGAGEMENT. 


157 


whole  discharge  of  their  artillery  broke  out  of 
the  dark  side  of  the  ship,  as  if  it  had  been  by  the 
volition  of  the  fabric.  The  answering  broadside 
was  received  almost  as  soon  as  their  own  had 
been  given,  and  the  two  vessels  passed  swiftly 
without  the  line  of  shot. 

The  wind  had  sent  back  their  own  smoke  up- 
on the  English,  and,  for  a  time,  it  floated  on  their 
decks,  wreathed  itself  in  the  eddies  of  the  sails, 
and  passed  away  to  leeward,  with  the  breeze  that 
succeeded  to  the  counter-current  of  the  explo- 
sions. The  whistling  of  shot  and  the  crash  of 
wood  had  been  heard  amid  the  din  of  the  com- 
bat. Giving  a  glance  at  his  enemy,  who  still 
stood  on,  Ludlow  leaned  from  the  poop,  and, 
with  a  sailor's  anxiety,  he  endeavored  to  scan  the 
gear  aloft. 

"  What  is  gone,  sir  ?  "  he  asked  of  Trysail, 
whose  earnest  face  just  then  became  visible 
through  the  drifting  smoke.  "What  sail  is  so 
heavily  flapping  ?  " 

"  Little  harm  done,  sir — little  harm. — Bear  a 
hand  with  the  tackle  on  that  fore-yard-arm,  you 
lubbers  !  you  move  like  snails  in  a  minuet !  The 
fellow  has  shot  away  the  lee  foretop-sail-sheet, 
sir ;  but  we  shall  soon  get  our  wings  spread  again. 
Lash  it  down,  boys,  as  if  it  were  butt-bolted — so ; 
steady  out  your  bow-line,  forward.  Meet  her,  you 
can*,  meet  her,  you  may — meet  her ! " 

The  smoke  had  disappeared,  and  the  eye  of 
the  captain  rapidly  scanned  the  whole  of  his  ship. 
Three  or  four  topmen  had  already  caught  the 
flapping  canvas,  and  were  seated  on  the  extremity 
of  the  fore-yard,  busied  in  securing  their  prize. 
A  hole  or  two  was  visible  in  the  other  sails,  and 
here  and  there  an  unimportant  rope  was  dangling 
in  a  manner  to  show  that  it  had  been  cut  by  shot. 
Further  than  this,  the  damage  aloft  was  not  of  a 
nature  to  attract  his  attention. 

There  was  a  different  scene  on  deck.  The 
feeble  crew  were  earnestly  occupied  in  loading 
the  guns,  and  rammers  and  sponges  were  han- 
dled with  all  the  intenseness  which  men  would 
manifest  in  a  moment  so  exciting.  The  alderman 
was  never  more  absorbed  in  his  ledger  than  he 
now  appeared  in  his  duty  of  a  cannoneer ;  and 
the  youths,  to  whom  the  command  of  the  bat- 
teries had  necessarily  been  confided,  diligently 
aided  him  with  their  greater  authority  and  experi- 
ence. Trysail  stood  near  the  capstan,  coolly  giv- 
ing the  orders  which  have  been  related,  and  gazing 
upward  with  an  interest  so  absorbed  as  to  render 
him  unconscious  of  all  that  passed  around  his 
person.  Ludlow  saw,  with  pain,  that  blood  dis- 
colored the  deck  at  his  feet,  and  that  a  seaman  lay 
dead  within  reach  of  his  arm.    The  rent  plank 


and  shattered  ceiling  showed  the  spot  where  the 
destructive  missile  had  entered. 

Compressing  his  lips  like  a  man  resolved,  the 
commander  of  the  Coquette  bent  farther  forward 
and  glanced  at  the  wheel.  The  quartermaster, 
who  held  the  spokes,  was  erect,  steady,  and  kept 
his  eye  on  the  leach  of  the  head-sail,  as  unerring- 
ly as  the  needle  points  to  the  pole. 

These  were  the  observations  of  a  single  min- 
ute. The  different  circumstances  related  had 
been  ascertained  with  so  many  rapid  glances  of 
the  eye,  and  they  had  even  been  noted  without 
losing  for  a  moment  the  knowledge  of  the  pre- 
cise situation  of  La  Fontange.  The  latter  was  al- 
ready in  stays.  It  became  necessary  to  meet  the 
evolution  by  another  as  prompt. 

The  order  was  no  sooner  given,  than  the  Co- 
quette, as  if  conscious  of  the  hazard  she  ran  of 
being  raked,  whirled  away  from  the  wind,  and,  by 
the  time  her  adversary  was  ready  to  deliver  her 
other  broadside,  she  was  in  a  position  to  receive 
and  to  return  it.  Again  the  ships  approached 
each  other,  and  once  more  they  exchanged  their 
streams  of  fire  when  abeam. 

Ludlow  now  saw,  through  the  smoke,  the 
ponderous  yard  of  La  Fontange  swinging  heavily 
against  the  breeze,  and  the  main-topsail  come 
flapping  against  her  mast.  Swinging  off  from  the 
poop  by  a  backstay  that  had  been  shot  away  a 
moment  before,  he  alighted  on  the  quarter-deck 
by  the  side  of  the  master. 

"Touch  all  the  braces  ! "  he  said,  hastily,  but 
still  speaking  low  and  clearly;  "  give  a  drag  upon 
the  bowlines — luff,  sir,  luff ;  jam  the  ship  up  hard 
against  the  wind  !  " 

The  clear,  steady  answer  of  the  quartermas- 
ter, and  the  manner  in  which  the  Coquette,  still 
vomiting  her  sheets  of  flame,  inclined  toward  the 
breeze,  announced  the  promptitude  of  the  subor- 
dinates. In  another  minute,  the  vast  volumes  of 
smoke  which  enveloped  the  two  ships  joined,  and 
formed  one  white  and  troubled  cloud,  which  was 
rolling  swiftly  before  the  explosions,  over  the  sur- 
face of  the  sea,  but  which,  as  it  rose  higher  in  the 
air,  sailed  gracefully  to  leeward. 

Our  young  commander  passed  swiftly  through 
the  batteries,  spoke  encouragingly  to  his  people, 
and  resumed  his  post  on  the  poop.  The  station- 
ary position  of  La  Fontange,  and  his  own  efforts 
to  get  to  windward,  were  already  proving  advan- 
tageous to  Queen  Anne's  cruiser.  There  was 
some  indecision  on  the  part  of  the  other  ship, 
which  instantly  caught  the  eye  of  one  whose 
readiness  in  his  profession  so  much  resembled  in- 
stinct. 

The  Chevalier  Dumont  had  amused  his  leisure 


158 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


by  running  his  eyes  over  the  records  of  the  naval 
history  of  his  country,  where  he  had  found  this 
and  that  commander  applauded  for  throwing  their 
topsails  to  the  mast,  abreast  of  their  enemies. 
Ignorant  of  the  difference  between  a  ship  in  line 
and  one  engaged  singly,  he  had  determined  to 
prove  himself  equal  to  a  similar  display  of  spirit. 
At  the  moment  when  Ludlow  was  standing  alone 
on  the  poop,  watching  with  vigilant  eyes  the 
progress  of  his  own  vessel,  and  the  position  of 
his  enemy,  indicating  merely  by  a  look  or  a  gesture, 
to  the  attentive  Trysail  beneath,  what  he  wished 
done,  there  was  actually  a  wordy  discussion  on 
the  quarter-deck  of  the  latter,  between  the  mari- 
ner of  Boulogne-sur-Mer  and  the  gay  favorite  of 
the  salons.  They  debated  on  the  expediency  of 
the  step  which  the  latter  had  taken,  to  prove  the 
existence  of  a  quality  that  no  one  doubted.  The 
time  lost  in  this  difference  of  opinion  was  of  the 
last  importance  to  the  British  cruiser.  Standing 
gallantly  on,  she  was  soon  out  of  the  range  of 
her  adversary's  fire  ;  and,  before  the  Boulognois 
had  succeeded  in  convincing  his  superior  of  his 
error,  their  antagonist  was  on  the  other  tack,  and 
luffing  across  the  wake  of  La  Fontange.  The 
topsail  was  then  tardily  filled,  but,  before  the  lat- 
ter ship  had  recovered  her  motion,  the  sails  of 
her  enemy  overshadowed  her  deck.  There  was 
now  every  prospect  of  the  Coquette  passing  to 
windward.  At  that  critical  moment,  the  fair- 
setting  topsail  of  the  British  cruiser  was  nearly 
rent  in  two  by  a  shot.  The  ship  fell  off,  the 
yards  interlocked,  and  the  vessels  were  foul. 

The  Coquette  had  all  the  advantage  of  posi- 
tion. Perceiving  the  important  fact  at  a  glance, 
Ludlow  made  sure  of  its  continuance  by  throw- 
ing his  grapnels.  When  the  two  ships  were 
thus  firmly  lashed  together,  the  young  Dumont 
found  himself  relieved  from  a  mountain  of  em- 
barrassment. Sufficiently  justified  by  the  fact 
that  not  a  single  gun  of  his  own  would  bear, 
while  a  murderous  discharge  of  grape  had  just 
swept  along  his  decks,  he  issued  the  order  to 
board.  But  Ludlow,  with  his  weakened  crew, 
had  not  decided  on  so  hazardous  an  evolution  as 
that  which  brought  him  in  absolute  contact  with 
his  enemy,  without  foreseeing  the  means  of  avoid- 
ing all  the  consequences.  The  vessels  touched 
each  other  only  at  one  point,  and  this  spot  was 
protected  by  a  row  of  muskets.  No  sooner, 
therefore,  did  the  impetuous  young  Frenchman 
appear  on  the  taffrail  of  his  own  ship,  supported 
by  a  band  of  followers,  than  a  close  and  deadly 
fire  swept  them  away  to  a  man.  Young  Dumont 
alone  remained.  For  a  single  moment,  his  eye 
glared  wildly  ;  but  the  active  frame,  still  obedient 


to  the  governing  impulse  of  so  impetuous  a  spir- 
it, leaped  onward.  He  fell,  without  life,  on  the 
deck  of  his  enemy. 

Ludlow  watched  every  movement,  with  a 
calmness  that  neither  personal  responsibility,  nor 
the  uproar  and  rapid  incidents  of  the  terrible 
scene,  could  discompose. 

"  Now  is  our  time  to  bring  the  matter  hand 
to  hand  ! "  he  cried,  making  a  gesture  to  Trysail 
to  descend  from  the  ladder,  in  order  that  he 
might  pass. 

His  arm  was  arrested,  and  the  grave  old  mas- 
ter pointed  to  windward. 

"  There  is  no  mistaking  the  cut  of  those 
sails,  or  the  lofty  rise  of  those  spars  !  The 
stranger  is  another  Frenchman  !  " 

One  glance  told  Ludlow  that  his  subordinate 
was  right ;  another  sufficed  to  show  what  was 
necessary. 

"  Cast  loose  the  forward  grapnel — cut  it— 
away  with  it,  clear ! "  was  shouted,  through  his 
trumpet,  in  a  voice  that  rose  commanding  and 
clear  amid  the  roar  of  the  combat. 

Released  forward,  the  stern  of  the  Coquette 
yielded  to  the  pressure  of  her  enemy,  whose  sails 
were  all  drawing,  and  she  was  soon  in  a  position 
to  enable  her  head-yards  to  be  braced  sharp 
aback,  in  a  direction  opposite  to  the  one  in  which 
she  had  so  lately  lain.  The  whole  broadside  was 
then  delivered  into  the  stern  of  La  Fontange,  the 
last  grapnel  was  released,  and  the  ships  sepa- 
rated. 

The  single  spirit  which  presided  over  the 
evolutions  and'  exertions  of  the  Coquette  still 
governed  her  movements.  The  sails  were 
trimmed,  the  ship  was  got  in  command,  and,  be- 
fore the  vessels  had  been  asunder  five  minutes, 
the  duty  of  the  vessel  was  in  its  ordinary  active 
but  noiseless  train. 

Nimble  topmen  were  on  the  yards,  and  broad 
folds  of  fresh  canvas  were  flapping  in  the  breeze, 
as  the  new  sails  were  bent  and  set.  Ropes  were 
spliced,  or  supplied  by  new  rigging,  the  spars 
examined,  and,  in  fine,  all  that  watchfulness  and 
sedulous  care  were  observed  which  are  necessary 
to  the  efficiency  and  safety  of  a  ship.  Every 
spar  was  secured,  the  pumps  were  sounded,  and 
the  vessel  held  on  her  way,  as  steadily  as  if  she 
had  never  fired  nor  received  a  shot. 

On  the  other  hand,  La  Fontange  betrayed  the 
indecision  and  confusion  of  a  worsted  ship.  Her 
torn  canvas  was  blowing  about  in  disorder,  many 
important  ropes  beat  against  her  masts  unheeded, 
and  the  vessel  itself  drove  before  the  breeze  in 
the  helplessness  of  a  wreck.  For  several  minutes 
there  seemed  no  controlling  mind  in  the  fabric  ; 


APPEARANCE  OF  A  STRANGER. 


159 


and  when,  after  so  much  distance  was  lost  as  to 
give  her  enemy  all  the  advantage  of  the  wind,  a 
tardy  attempt  was  made  to  bring  the  ship  up 
again,  the  tallest  and  most  important  of  her 
masts  was  seen  tottering,  until  it  finally  fell,  with 
all  its  hamper,  into  the  sea. 

Notwithstanding  the  absence  of  so  many  of 
his  people,  success  would  now  have  been  certain 
had  not  the  presence  of  the  stranger  compelled 
Ludlow  to  abandon  his  advantage.  But  the  con- 
sequences to  his  own  vessel  were  too  sure  to  al- 
low of  more  than  a  natural  and  manly  regret 
that  so  favorable  an  occasion  should  escape  him. 
The  character  of  the  stranger  could  no  longer  be 
mistaken.  The  eye  of  every  seaman  in  the  Co- 
quette as  well  understood  the  country  of  the 
high  and  narrow  -  headed  sails,  the  tall  taper 
masts  and  short  yards  of  the  frigate  whose  hull 
was  now  distinctly  visible,  as  a  landsman  recog- 
nizes an  individual  by  the  distinguishing  marks 
of  his  features  or  attire.  Had  there  been  any 
lingering  doubts  on  the  subject,  they  would  have 
all  given  place  to  certainty,  when  the  stranger 
was  seen  exchanging  signals  with  the  crippled 
corvette. 

It  was  now  time  for  Ludlow  to  come  to  a 
speedy  determination  on  his  future  course.  The 
breeze  still  held  to  the  southward,  but  it  was  be- 
ginning to  lessen,  with  every  appearance  that  it 
would  fail  before  nightfall.  The  land  lay  a  few 
leagues  to  the  northward,  and  the  whole  horizon 
of  the  ocean,  with  the  exception  of  the  two 
French  cruisers,  was  clear.  Descending  to  the 
quarter-deck,  he  approached  the  master,  who 
was  seated  in  a  chair,  while  the  surgeon  dressed 
a  severe  hurt  in  one  of  his  legs.  Shaking  the 
sturdy  veteran  cordially  by  the  hand,  he  expressed 
his  acknowledgments  for  his  support  in  a  mo- 
ment so  trying. 

"  God  bless  you !  God  bless  you !  Captain 
Ludlow,"  returned  the  old  sailor,  dashing  his 
hand  equivocally  across  his  weather-beaten  brow. 
"  Battle  is  certainly  the  place  to  try  both  ship 
and  friends ;  and,  Heaven  be  praised  !  Queen 
Anne  has  not  failed  of  either  this  day.  No  man 
has  forgotten  his  duty,  so  far  as  my  eyes  have 
witnessed  ;  and  this  is  saying  no  trifle,  with  half 
a  crew  and  an  equal  enemy.  As  for  the  ship, 
she  never  behaved  better  !  I  had  my  misgivings 
when  I  saw  the  new  main-topsail  go,  which  it 
did,  as  all  here  know,  like  a  bit  of  rent  muslin 
between  the  fingers  of  a  seamstress. — Run  for- 
ward, Mr.  Hopper,  and  tell  the  men  in  the  fore 
rigging  to  take  another  drag  on  that  swifter,  and 
to  be  careful  and  bring  the  strain  equal  on  all 
the  shrouds. — A  lively  youth,  Captain  Ludlow, 


and  one  who  only  wants  a  little  reflection,  with 
some  more  experience,  and  a  small  dash  of  mod- 
esty, together  with  the  seamanship  he  will  natu- 
rally get  in  time,  to  make  a  very  tolerable  offi- 
cer." 

"  The  boy  promises  well ;  but  I  have  come  to 
ask  thy  advice,  my  old  friend,  concerning  our 
next  movements.  There  is  no  doubt  that  the 
fellow  who  is  coming  down  upon  us  is  both  a 
Frenchman  and  a  frigate." 

"  A  man  might  as  well  doubt  the  nature  of  a 
fish-hawk  which  is  to  pick  up  all  the  small  fry, 
and  to  let  the  big  ones  go.  We  might  show  him 
our  canvas  and  try  the  open  sea,  but  I  fear  that 
foremast  is  too  weak,  with  three  such  holes  in 
it,  to  bear  the  sail  we  should  need  !  " 

"  What  think  you  of  the  wind  ?  "  said  Ludlow, 
affecting  an  indecision  he  did  not  feel,  in  order  to 
soothe  the  feelings  of  his  wounded  companion. 
"  Should  it  hold,  we  might  double  Montauk,  and 
return  for  the  rest  of  our  people ;  but  should  it 
fail,  is  there  no  danger  that  the  frigate  should 
tow  within  shot  ? — We  have  no  boats  to  escape 
her." 

"  The  soundings  on  this  coast  are  as  regular 
as  the  roof  of  an  out-house,"  said  the  master,  af- 
ter a  moment  of  thought,  "  and  it  is  my  advice, 
if  it  is  your  pleasure  to  ask  it,  Captain  Ludlow, 
that  we  shoal  our  water  as  much  as  possible  while 
the  wind  lasts.  Then  I  think  we  shall  be  safe 
from  a  very  near  visit  from  the  big  one  ;  as  for 
the  corvette,  I  am  of  opinion  that,  like  a  man 
who  has  eaten  his  dinner,  she  has  no  stomach  for 
another  slice." 

Ludlow  applauded  the  advice  of  his  subordi- 
nate, for  it  was  precisely  what  he  had  determined 
on  doing ;  and,  after  again  complimenting  him  on 
his  coolness  and  skill,  he  issued  the  necessary 
orders.  The  helm  of  the  Coquette  was  now  placed 
hard  a-weather,  the  yards  were  squared,  and  the 
ship  was  put  before  the  wind.  After  running  in 
this  direction  for  a  few  hours,  the  wind  gradually 
lessening,  the  lead  announced  that  the  keel  was 
quite  as  near  the  bottom  as  the  time  of  the  tide, 
and  the  dull  heaving  and  setting  of  the  element, 
rendered  at  all  prudent.  The  breeze  soon  after 
fell,  and  our  young  commander  ordered  an  anchor 
to  be  dropped  into  the  sea. 

His  example  in  the  latter  respect  was  imitated 
by  the  hostile  cruisers.  They  had  joined,  and 
boats  were  seen  passing  from  one  to  the  other, 
so  long  as  there  was  light.  When  the  sun  fell  be- 
hind the  western  margin  of  the  ocean,  their  dusky 
outlines,  distant  about  a  league,  gradually  grew 
less  and  less  distinct,  until  the  darkness  of  night 
enveloped  sea  and  land  in  its  gloom. 


160 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 

"Now;  the  business." 

Othello. 

Three  hours  later,  and  every  noise  was  hushed 
on  board  the  royal  cruiser.  The  toil  of  repairing 
damages  had  ceased ;  and  most  of  the  living,  with 
the  dead,  lay  alike  in  common  silence.  The 
watchfulness  necessary  to  the  situation  of  the 
fatigued  mariners,  however,  was  not  forgotten; 
and,  though  so  many  slept,  a  few  eyes  were  still 
open,  affecting  to  be  alert.  Here  and  there  some 
drowsy  seaman  paced  the  deck,  or  a  solitary 
young  officer  endeavored  to  keep  himself  awake 
by  humming  a  low  air  in  his  narrow  bounds. 
The  mass  of  the  crew  slept  heavily  with  pistols 
in  their  belts  and  cutlasses  at  their  sides,  between 
the  guns.  There  was  one  figure  extended  upon 
the  quarter-deck,  with  the  head  resting  on  a  shot- 
box.  The  deep  breathing  of  this  person  denoted 
the  unquiet  slumbers  of  a  powerful  frame,  in 
which  weariness  contended  with  suffering.  It 
was  the  wounded  and  feverish  master,  who  had 
placed  himself  in  that  position  to  catch  an  hour 
of  the  repose  that  was  necessary  to  his  situation. 
On  an  arm-chest  which  had  been  emptied  of  its 
contents,  lay  another  but  a  motionless  human 
form,  with  the  limbs  composed  in  decent  order, 
and  with  the  face  turned  toward  the  melancholy 
stars.  This  was  the  body  of  the  young  Dumont, 
which  had  been  kept  with  the  intention  of  con- 
signing it  to  consecrated  earth,  when  the  ship 
should  return  to  port.  Ludlow,  with  the  delicacy 
of  a  generous  and  chivalrous  enemy,  had  with  his 
own  hands  spread  the  stainless  ensign  of  his 
country  over  the  remains  of  the  inexperienced 
but  gallant  young  Frenchman. 

There  was  one  little  group  on  the  raised  deck 
in  the  stern  of  the  vessel,  in  which  the  ordinary 
interests  of  life  still  seemed  to  exercise  their  in- 
fluence. Hither  Ludlow  had  led  Alida  and  her 
companions,  after  the  duties  of  the  day  were  over, 
in  order  that  they  might  breathe  an  air  fresher 
than  that  of  the  interior  of  the  vessel.  The  ne- 
gress  nodded  near  her  young  mistress ;  the  tired 
alderman  sat  with  his  back  supported  against 
the  mizzen-mast,  giving  audible  evidence  of  his 
situation ;  and  Ludlow  stood  erect,  occasionally 
throwing  an  earnest  look  on  the  surrounding  and 
unruffled  waters,  then  lending  his  attention  to  the 
discourse  of  his  companions.  Alida  and  Seadrift 
were  seated  near  each  other,  on  chairs.  The  con- 
versation was  low,  while  the  melancholy  and  the 
tremor  in  the  voice  of  la  belle  Barberie  denoted 
how  much  the  events  of  the  day  had  shaken  her 
usually  firm  and  spirited  mind. 


"  There  is  a  mingling  of  the  terrific  and  the 
beautiful,  of  the  grand  and  the  seducing,  in  this 
unquiet  profession  of  yours  ! "  observed,  or  rather 
continued  Alida,  replying  to  a  previous  remark 
of  the  young  sailor.  "That  tranquil  sea— the 
hollow  sound  of  the  surf  on  the  shore — and  this 
soft  canopy  above  us,  form  objects  on  which  even 
a  girl  might  dwell  in  admiration,  were  not  her 
ears  still  ringing  with  the  roar  and  cries  of  the 
combat.  Did  you  say  the  commander  of  the 
Frenchman  was  but  a  youth  ?  " 

"A  mere  boy  in  appearance,  and  one  who 
doubtless  owed  his  rank  to  the  advantages  of  birth 
and  family.  We  know  it  to  be  the  captain  by 
his  dress,  no  less  than  by  the  desperate  effort  he 
made  to  recover  the  false  step  taken  in  the  earlier 
part  of  the  action." 

"  Perhaps  he  has  a  mother,  Ludlow  ! — a  sister 
— a  wife — or — " 

Alida  paused,  for  with  maiden  diffidence  she 
hesitated  to  pronounce  the  tie  which  was  upper- 
most in  her  thoughts. 

"  He  may  have  had  one  or  all !  Such  are  the 
sailor's  hazards,  and — " 

"  Such  the  hazards  of  those  who  feel  an  inter- 
est in  their  safety ! "  uttered  the  low  but  expres- 
sive voice  of  Seadrift. 

An  eloquent  silence  succeeded.  Then  the 
voice  of  Myndert  was  heard  muttering  indistinct- 
ly "  Twenty  of  beaver,  and  three  of  marten — as 
per  invoice."  The  smile  which,  spite  of  the 
train  of  his  thoughts,  rose  on  the  lips  of  Ludlow, 
had  scarcely  passed  away,  when  the  hoarse  tones 
of  Trysail,  rendered  still  hoarser  by  his  sleep, 
were  plainly  heard  in  a  stifled  cry,  saying,  "  Bear 
a  hand  there  with  your  stoppers ! — the  Frenchman 
is  coming  round  upon  us  again." 

"  That  is  prophetic !  "  said  one,  aloud,  behind 
the  listening  group.  Ludlow  turned,  quick  as  the 
flag  fluttering  on  its  vane,  and  through  the  dark- 
ness he  recognized  in  the  motionless  but  manly 
form  that  stood  near  him  on  the  poop,  the  fine 
person  of  the  "Skimmer  of  the  Seas." 

"  Call  away — " 

"Call  none!"  interrupted  Tiller,  stopping 
the  hurried  order  which  involuntarily  broke 
from  the  lips  of  Ludlow.  "  Let  thy  ship  feign 
the  silence  of  a  wreck,  but  in  truth  let  there 
be  watchfulness  and  preparation  even  to  her 
store-rooms !  You  have  done  well,  Captain  Lud- 
low, to  be  on  the  alert,  though  I  have  known 
sharper  eyes  than  those  of  some  of  your  look- 
outs." 

"  Whence  come  you,  audacious  man,  and 
what  mad  errand  has  brought  you  again  on  the 
deck  of  my  ship  ?  " 


THE  SKIMMER'S  CAUTION. 


161 


"  I  come  from  my  habitation  on  the  sea.  My 
business  here  is  warning !  " 

"  The  sea !  "  echoed  Ludlow,  gazing  about  him 
at  the  narrow  and  empty  view.  "  The  hour  for 
mockery  is  past,  and  you  would  do  well  to  trifle 
no  more  with  those  who  have  serious  duties  to 
discharge." 

"  The  hour  is  indeed  one  for  serious  duties — 
duties  more  serious  than  any  you  apprehend. 
But,  before  I  enter  on  explanation,  there  must  be 
conditions  between  us.  You  have  one  of  the 
sea-green  lady's  servitors  here ;  I  claim  his  liberty 
for  my  secret." 

"  The  error  into  which  I  had  fallen  exists  no 
longer,"  returned  Ludlow,  looking  for  an  instant 
toward  the  shrinking  form  of  Seadrift.  "  My 
conquest  is  worthless,  unless  you  come  to  supply 
his  place." 

"  I  come  for  other  purposes — here  is  one  who 
knows  I  do  not  trifle  when  urgent  affairs  are  on 
hand.  Let  thy  companions  retire,  that  I  may 
speak  openly." 

Ludlow  hesitated,  for  he  had  not  yet  recovered 
from  the  surprise  of  finding  the  redoubtable  free- 
trader so  unexpectedly  on  the  deck  of  his  ship. 
But  Alida  and  her  companion  arose,  like  those 
who  had  more  confidence  in  their  visitor,  and, 
arousing  the  negress  from  her  sleep,  they  de- 
scended the  ladder  and  entered  the  cabin.  "When 
Ludlow  found  himself  alone  with  Tiller,  he  de- 
manded an  explanation. 

-  It  shall  not  be  withheld,  for  time  presses, 
and  that  which  is  to  be  done  must  be  done  with  a 
seaman's  care  and  coolness,"  returned  the  other. 
"  You  have  had  a  close  brush  with  one  of  Louis's 
rovers,  Captain  Ludlow,  and  prettily  was  the 
ship  of  Queen  Anne  handled !  Have  your  people 
suffered  and  are  you  still  strong  enough  to  make 
good  a  defence  worthy  of  your  conduct  this 
morning  ?  " 

"  These  are  facts  you  would  have  me  utter  to 
the  ear  of  one  who  may  be  false — even  a  spy  ! " 

Captain  Ludlow — but  circumstances  warrant 
thy  suspicions ! " 

"  One  whose  vessel  and  life  I  have  threatened 
— an  outlaw  !  " 

"  This  is  too  true,"  returned  the  "  Skimmer 
of  the  Seas,"  suppressing  the  sudden  impulse  of 
pride  and  resentment.  "I  am  threatened  and 
pursued — I  am  a  smuggler  and  an  outlaw :  still 
am  I  human  !  You  see  that  dusky  object  which 
borders  the  sea  to  the  northward  ?  " 

"  It  is  too  plainly  land  to  be  mistaken." 

"  Land,  and  the  land  of  my  birth  !— the  ear- 
liest, perhaps  I  may  say  the  happiest  of  my  days, 
were  passed  on  that  long  and  narrow  island." 
11 


"  Had  I  known  it  earlier,  there  would  have 
been  a  closer  look  among  its  bays  and  inlets." 

"  The  search  might  have  been  rewarded.  A 
cannon  would  easily  throw  its  shot  from  this 
deck  to  the  spot  where  my  brigantine  now  lies, 
snug  at  a  single  anchor." 

"  Unless  you  have  swept  her  near  since  the 
setting  of  the  sun,  that  is  impossible  !  When  the 
night  drew  on,  nothing  was  in  view  but  the  frig- 
ate and  corvette  of  the  enemy." 

"  We  have  not  stirred  a  fathom ;  yet,  true  as 
the  word  of  a  fearless  man,  there  lies  the  vessel 
of  the  sea-green  lady.  You  see  the  place  where 
the  beach  falls — here,  at  the  nearest  point  of  the 
land — the  island  is  nearly  severed  by  the  water 
at  that  spot,  and  the  Water- Witch  is  safe  in  the 
depths  of  the  bay  which  enters  from  the  north- 
ward. There  is  not  a  mile  between  us.  From 
the  eastern  hill,  I  witnessed  your  spirit  this  day, 
Captain  Ludlow,  and  though  condemned  in  per- 
son, I  felt  that  the  heart  could  never  be  outlawed. 
There  is  a  fealty  here,  that  can  survive  even  the 
persecutions  of  the  custom-houses  !  " 

"  You  are  happy  in  your  terms,  sir.  I  will 
not  conceal  that  I  think  a  seaman,  even  as  skil- 
ful as  yourself,  must  allow  that  the  Coquette  was 
kept  prettily  in  command." 

"  No  pilot-boat  could  have  been  more  sure  or 
more  lively.  I  knew  your  weakness,  for  the  ab- 
sence of  all  your  boats  was  no  secret  to  me  ;  and 
I  confess  I  could  have  spared  some  of  the  profits 
of  the  voyage,  to  have  been  on  your  decks  this 
day  with  a  dozen  of  my  truest  fellows !  " 

"  A  man  who  can  feel  this  loyalty  to  the  flag, 
should  find  a  more  honorable  occupation  for  his 
usual  life." 

"  A  country  that  can  inspire  it,  should  be  cau- 
tious not  to  estrange  the  affections  of  its  children 
by  monopolies  and  injustice.  But  these  are  dis- 
cussions unsuited  to  the  moment.  I  am  doubly 
your  countryman  in  this  strait,  and  all  the  past  is 
no  more  than  the  rough  liberties  which  friends 
take  with  each  other.  Captain  Ludlow,  there  is 
danger  brooding  in  that  dark  void  which  lies  to 
seaward ! " 

"  On  what  authority  do  you  speak  thus  ?  " 

"  Sight. — I  have  been  among  your  enemies, 
and  have  seen  their  deadly  preparations.  I  know 
the  caution  is  given  to  a  brave  man,  and  nothing 
shall  be  extenuated.  You  have  need  of  all  your 
resolution  and  of  every  arm — for  they  will  be  up- 
on you  in  overwhelming  numbers  ! " 

"  True  or  false,  thy  warning  shall  not  be  neg- 
lected." 

"  Hold !  "  said  the  Skimmer,  arresting  a  for- 
ward movement  of  his  companion,  with  his  hand. 


162 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


"  Let  them  sleep  to  the  last  moment.  You  have 
yet  an  hour,  and  rest  will  renew  their  strength. 
You  may  trust  the  experience  of  a  seaman  who 
has  passed  half  of  the  life  of  man  on  the  ocean, 
and  who  has  witnessed  all  its  most  stirring 
scenes,  from  the  conflict  of  the  elements  to  every 
variety  of  strife  that  man  has  invented  to  destroy 
his  fellows.  For  another  hour,  you  will  be  secure. 
After  that  hour,  God  protect  the  unprepared  !  and 
God  be  merciful  to  him  whose  minutes  are  num- 
bered!" 

"  Thy  language  and  manner  are  those  of  one 
who  deals  honestly,"  returned  Ludlow,  struck 
by  the  apparent  sincerity  of  the  free-trader's 
communication.  "  In  every  event,  we  shall 
be  ready,  though  the  manner  of  your  having 
gained  this  knowledge  is  as  great  a  mys- 
tery as  your  appearance  on  the  deck  of  my 
ship." 

"Both  can  be  explained,"  returned  the  Skim- 
mer, motioning  to  his  companion  to  follow  to  the 
taffrail.  Here  he  pointed  to  a  small  and  nearly 
imperceptible  skiff,  which  floated  at  the  bottom 
of  a  stern-ladder,  and  continued :  "  One  who  so 
often  pays  secret  visits  to  the  land,  can  never  be 
in  want  of  the  means.  This  nut-shell  was  easily 
transported  across  the  narrow  slip  of  land  that 
separates  the  bay  from  the  ocean ;  and,  though 
the  surf  moans  so  hoarsely,  it  is  easily  passed  by 
a  steady  and  dexterous  oarsman.  I  have  been 
under  the  martingale  of  the  Frenchman,  and  you 
see  that  I  am  here.  If  your  lookouts  are  less 
alert  than  usual,  you  will  remember  that  a  low 
gunwale,  a  dusky  side,  and  a  muffled  oar,  are  not 
readily  detected,  when  the  eye  is  heavy  and  the 
body  wearied.  I  must  now  quit  you — unless  you 
think  it  more  prudent  to  send  those  who  can  be 
of  no  service.out  of  the  ship  before  the  trial  shall 
come  ?  " 

Ludlow  hesitated.  A  strong  desire  to  put 
Alida  in  a  place  of  safety  was  met  by  his  distrust 
of  the  smuggler's  faith.  He  reflected  a  moment 
ere  he  answered. 

"  Your  cockle-shell  is  not  sufficiently  secure 
for  more  than  its  owner.  Go,  and  as  you  prove 
loyal,  may  you  prosper  !  " 

"  Abide  the  blow  ! "  said  the  Skimmer,  grasp- 
ind  his  hand.  He  then  stepped  carelessly  on  the 
dangling  ropes,  and  descended  into  the  boat  be- 
neath. Ludlow  watched  his  movements  with  an 
intense  and  possibly  with  a  distrustful  curiosity. 
When  seated  at  the  sculls,  the  person  of  the  free- 
trader was  nearly  indistinct;  and,  as  the  boat 
glided  noiselessly  away,  the  young  commander  no 
longer  felt  disposed  to  censure  those  who  had 
permitted  its  approach  without  a  warning.  In 


less  than  a  minute  the  dusky  object  wa&  con- 
founded with  the  surface  of  the  sea. 

Left  to  himself,  the  young  commander  of  the 
Coquette  seriously  reflected  on  what  had  passed. 
The  manner  of  the  Skimmer,  the  voluntary  char- 
acter of  his  communication,  its  probability  and  the 
means  by  which  the  knowledge  had  been  obtained, 
united  to  confirm  his  truth.  Instances  of  similar 
attachment  to  their  flag,  in  seamen  whose  ordi- 
nary pursuits  were  opposed  to  its  interests,  were 
not  uncommon.  Their  misdeeds  resemble  the 
errors  of  passion  and  temptation,  while  the  mo- 
mentary return  to  better  things  is  the  inextin- 
guishable impulse  of  nature. 

The  admonition  of  the  free-trader,  who  had  en- 
joined the  captain  to  allow  his  people  to  sleep, 
was  remembered.  Twenty  times,  within  as  many 
minutes,  did  our  young  sailor  examine  his  watch 
to  note  the  tardy  passage  of  the  time  ;  as  often 
did  he  return  it  to  his  pocket  with  a  determina- 
tion to  forbear.  At  length  he  descended  to  the 
quarter-deck,  and  drew  near  the  only  form  that 
was  erect.  The  watch  was  commanded  by  a 
youth  of  sixteen,  whose  regular  period  of  proba- 
tionary service  had  not  passed,  but  who,  in  the 
absence  of  his  superiors,  was  intrusted  with  this 
delicate  and  important  duty.  He  stood  leaning 
against  the  capstan,  one  hand  supporting  his  i 
cheek,  while  the  elbow  rested  against  the  drum, 
and  the  body  was  without  motion.  Ludlow  re- 
garded him  a  moment ;  then  lifting  a  lighted  bat- 
tle-lantern to  his  face,  he  saw  that  he  slept. 
Without  disturbing  the  delinquent,  the  captain 
replaced  the  lantern  and  passed  forward.  In  the 
gangway  there  stood  a  marine,  with  his  musket 
shouldered,  in  an  attitude  of  attention.  As  Lud- 
low brushed  within  a  few  inches  of  his  eyes,  it  was 
easy  to  be  seen  that  they  opened  and  shut  invol- 
untarily, and  without  consciousness  of  what  lay 
before  them.  On  the  top-gallant-forecastle  was  I 
a  short,  square,  and  well-balanced  figure,  that 
stood  without  support  of  any  kind,  with  both 
arms  thrust  into  the  bosom  of  a  jacket,  and  a 
head  that  turned  slowly  to  the  west  and  south, 
as  if  it  were  examining  the  ocean  in  those  direc- 
tions. 

Stepping  lightly  up  the  ladder,  Ludlow  saw 
that  it  was  the  veteran  seaman  who  was  rated  as 
the  captain  of  the  forecastle. 

"  I  am  glad,  at  last,  to  find  one  pair  of  eyes 
open  in  my  ship,"  said  the  captain.  "  Of  the 
whole  watch,  you  alone  are  alert." 

"  I  have  doubled  cape  fifty,  your  honor,  and 
the  seaman  who  has  made  that  voyage  rarely 
wants  the  second  call  of  the  boatswain.  Young 
heads  have  young  eyes,  and  sleep  is  next  to 


A  NIGHT  ATTACK. 


163 


food,  after  a  heavy  drag  at  gun-tackles  and  lan- 
yards." 

"  What  draws  your  attention  so  steadily  in 
that  quarter  ?  There  is  nothing  visible  but  the 
haze  of  the  sea," 

u  'Tis  the  direction  of  the  Frenf*1"- 
does  your  honor  hear  n^>+v' 

"Notb'~ ■■" 


look  of  the  veteran  tar  was  aloft,  the  second  at 
the  heavens,  the  last  at  his  captain. 

"I  fear  thy  wound  stiffs- 
air  has  adder!  +- 


164 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


heavens  were  clouded,  though  a  few  thoughtful 
stars  glimmered  between  the  masses  of  vapor. 

"A  calmer  night  never  shut  in  the  Ameri- 
cas ! "  said  the  veteran  Trysail,  shaking  his  head 
doubtingly  and  speaking  in  a  cautious  tone.  "  I 
am  one  of  those,  Captain  Ludlow,  who  think  more 
than  half  the  virtue  is  out  of  a  ship  when  her  an- 
chor is  down!" 

"  With  a  weakened  crew,  it  may  be  better  for 
us  that  the  people  have  no  yards  to  handle  nor 
any  bowlines  to  steady.  All  our  care  can  be  given 
to  defence." 

"  This  is  much  like  telling  the  hawk  he  can 
fight  the  better  with  a  clipped  wing,  since  he  has 
not  the  trouble  of  flying !  The  nature  of  a  ship  is 
motion,  and  the  merit  of  a  seaman  is  judicious 
and  lively  handling ;  but  of  what  use  is  complain- 
ing, since  it  will  neither  lift  an  anchor  nor  fill  a 
sail!  What  is  your  opinion,  Captain  Ludlow, 
concerning  an  after-life,  and  of  all  those  matters 
one  occasionally  hears  of  if  he  happens  to  drift  in 
the  way  of  a  church  ?  " 

"  The  question  is  broad  as  the  ocean,  my  good 
friend,  and  a  fitting  answer  might  lead  us  into  ab- 
strusities deeper  than  any  problem  in  our  trigo- 
nometry.— Was  that  the  stroke  of  an  oar?  " 

"'Twas  a  land-noise.  Well,  I  am  no  great 
navigator  among  the  crooked  channels  of  religion. 
Every  new  argument  is  a  sand-bar,  or  a  shoal, 
that  obliges  me  to  tack  and  stand  off  again ;  else 
I  might  have  been  a  bishop  for  any  thing  the 
world  knows  to  the  contrary.  'Tis  a  gloomy 
night,  Captain  Ludlow,  and  one  that  is  sparing  of 
its  stars.  I  never  knew  luck  come  of  an  expedi- 
tion on  which  a  natural  light  did  not  fall !  " 

"  So  much  the  worse  for  those  who  seek  to 
harm  us. — I  surely  heard  an  oar  in  the  rowlock  ! " 

"  It  came  from  the  shore,  and  had  the  sound 
of  the  land  about  it,"  quietly  returned  the  master, 
who  still  kept  his  look  riveted  on  the  heavens. 
"  This  world  in  which  we  live,  Captain  Ludlow, 
is  one  of  extraordinary  uses  ;  but  that,  to  which 
we  are  steering,  is  still  more  unaccountable. 
They  say  that  worlds  are  sailing  above  us  like 
ships  in  a  clear  sea ;  and  there  are  people  who 
believe  that,  when  we  take  our  departure  from 
this  planet,  we  are  only  bound  to  another,  in 
which  we  are  to  be  rated  according  to  our  own 
deeds  here ;  which  is  much  the  same  as  being 
drafted  for  a  new  ship  with  a  certificate  of  service 
in  one's  pocket." 

"  The  resemblance  is  perfect,"  returned  the 
other,  leaning  far  over  a  timber-head  to  catch 
the  smallest  sound  that  might  come  from  the 
ocean. — "  That  was  no  more  than  the  blowing  of 
a  porpoise ! " 


"  It  was  strong  enough  for  the  puff  of  a  whale. 
There  is  no  scarcity  of  big  fish  on  the  coast  of 
this  island,  and  bold  harpooners  are  the  men 
who  are  scattered  about  on  the  sandy  downs, 
here-away,  to  the  northward.  I  once  sailed  with 
an  officer  who  knew  the  name  of  every  star  in 
the  heavens,  and  often  have  I  passed  hours  in 
listening  to  his  history  of  their  magnitude  and 
character,  during  the  middle  watches.  It  was 
his  opinion  that  there  is  but  one  navigator  for  all 
the  rovers  of  the  air,  whether  meteors,  comets, 
or  planets." 

"  No  doubt  he  must  be  right,  having  been 
there." 

"  No,  that  is  more  than  I  can  say  for  him, 
though  few  men  have  gone  deeper  into  the  high 
latitudes  on  both  sides  of  our  own  equator,  than 
he. — One  surely  spoke — here,  in  a  line  with  yon- 
der low  star !  " 

"  Was  it  not  a  water-fowl  ?  " 

"  No  gull — ha  !  here  we  have  the  object,  just 
within  the  starboard  jibboom-guy.  There  comes 
the  Frenchman  in  his  pride,  and  'twill  be  lucky 
for  him  who  lives  to  count  the  slain,  or  to  boast 
of  his  deeds ! " 

The  master  descended  from  the  forecastle,  and 
passed  among  the  crew,  with  every  thought  re- 
called from  its  excursive  flight  to  the  duty  of  the 
moment.  Ludlow  continued  on  the  forecastle 
alone.  There  was  a  low,  whispering  sound  in  the 
ship,  like  that  which  is  made  by  the  murmuring 
of  a  rising  breeze,  then  all  was  still  as  death. 

The  Coquette  lay  with  her  head  to  seaward, 
the  stern  necessarily  pointing  toward  the  land. 
The  distance  from  the  latter  was  less  than  a  mile, 
and  the  direction  of  the  ship's  hull  was  caused 
by  the  course  of  the  heavy  ground-swell,  which 
incessantly  rolled  the  waters  on  the  wide  beach 
of  the  island.  The  head-gear  lay  in  the  way  of 
the  dim  view;  and  Ludlow  walked  out  on  the 
bowsprit,  in  order  that  nothing  should  lie  between 
him  and  the  part  of  the  ocean  he  wished  to  study. 
Here  he  had  not  stood  a  minute  when  he  caught, 
first  a  confused  and  then  a  more  distinct  glimpse 
of  a  line  of  dark  objects,  advancing  slowly  tow- 
ard the  ship.  Assured  of  the  position  of  his  ene- 
my, he  returned  in-board  and  descended  among 
his  people.  In  another  moment  he  was  again  on 
the  forecastle,  across  which  he  paced  leisurely, 
and,  to  all  appearance,  with  the  calmness  of  one 
who  enjoyed  the  refreshing  coolness  of  the  night. 

At  the  distance  of  a  hundred  fathoms,  the 
dusky  line  of  boats  paused  and  began  to  change 
its  order.  At  that  instant  the  first  puffs  of  the 
land  breeze  were  felt,  and  the  stern  of  the  ship 
made  a  gentle  inclination  seaward. 


CLOSE  QUARTERS. 


165 


"  Help  her  with  the  mizzen !  Let  fall  the  top- 
sail !  "  whispered  the  young  captain  to  those  be- 
neath him.  Ere  another  moment  the  flap  of  the 
loosened  sail  was  heard.  The  ship  swung  still 
farther,  and  Ludlow  stamped  on  the  deck. 

A  round,  fiery  light  shot  beyond  the  martin- 
gale, and  the  smoke  rolled  along  the  sea,  out- 
stripped by  a  crowd  of  missiles  that  were  hissing 
across  the  water.  A  shout,  in  which  command 
was  mingled  with  shrieks,  followed,  and  oar-blades 
were  heard  dashing  the  water  aside  regardless  of 
concealment.  The  ocean  lighted,  and  three  or 
four  boat-guns  returned  the  fatal  discharge  from 
the  ship.  Ludlow  had  not  spoken.  Still  alone 
on  his  elevated  and  exposed  post,  he  watched  the 
effects  of  both  fires  with  a  commander's  coolness. 
The  smile  that  struggled  about  his  compressed 
mouth,  when  the  momentary  confusion  among  the 
boats  betrayed  the  success  of  his  own  attack,  had 
been  wild  and  exulting ;  but  when  he  heard  the 
rending  of  the  plank  beneath  him,  the  heavy 
groans  that  succeeded,  and  the  rattling  of  lighter 
objects  that  were  scattered  by  the  shot  as  it  passed 
with  lessened  force  along  the  deck  of  his  ship,  it 
became  fierce  and  resentful. 

"Let  them  have  it !"  he  shouted,  in  a  clear, 
animating  voice,  that  assured  the  people  of  his 
presence  and  his  care.  "  Show  them  the  humor 
of  an  Englishman's  sleep,  my  lads !  Speak  to 
them,  tops  and  decks !  " 

The  order  was  obeyed.  The  remaining  bow- 
gun  was  fired,  and  the  discharge  of  all  the  Co- 
quette's musketry  and  blunderbusses  followed. 
A  crowd  of  boats  came  sweeping  under  the  bow- 
sprit of  the  ship  at  the  same  moment,  when  there 
arose  the  clamor  and  shouts  of  the  boarders. 

The  succeeding  minutes  were  full  of  confusion, 
and  of  devoted  exertion.  Twice  were  the  head 
and  bowsprit  of  the  ship  filled  with  dark  groups 
of  men,  whose  grim  visages  were  only  visible  by 
the  pistol's  flash ;  as  often  were  they  cleared  by 
the  pike  and  bayonet.  A  third  effort  was  more 
successful,  and  the  tread  of  the  assailants  was 
heard  on  the  deck  of  the  forecastle.  The  strug- 
gle was  but  momentary,  though  many  fell,  and 
the  narrow  arena  was  soon  slippery  with  blood. 
The  Boulognese  mariner  was  foremost  among  his 
countrymen,  and  at  that  desperate  emergency 
Ludlow  and  Trysail  fought  in  the  common  herd. 
Numbers  prevailed  ;  and  it  was  fortunate  for  the 
commander  of  the  Coquette,  that  the  sudden  re- 
coil of  a  human  body  that  fell  upon  him,  drove 
him  from  his  footing  to  the  deck  beneath. 

Recovering  from  the  fall,  the  young  captain 
cheered  his  men  by  his  voice  and  was  answered 
by  the  deep-mouthed  shouts  which  an  excited 


seaman  is  ever  ready  to  deliver,  even  to  the 
death. 

"  Rally  in  the  gangways,  and  defy  them  ! " 
was  the  animated  cry — "  rally  in  the  gangways, 
hearts  of  oak,"  was  returned  by  Trysail,  in  a 
ready  but  weakened  voice.  The  men  obeyed,  and 
Ludlow  saw  that  he  could  still  muster  a  force  ca- 
pable of  resistance. 

Both  parties  for  a  moment  paused.  The  fire 
of  the  top  annoyed  the  boarders,  and  the  defend- 
ants hesitated  to  advance.  But  the  rush  from 
both  was  common  and  a  fierce  encounter  occurred 
at  the  foot  of  the  foremast.  The  crowd  thick- 
ened in  the  rear  of  the  French,  and  one  of  their 
number  no  sooner  fell  than  another  filled  his 
place.  The  English  receded,  and  Ludlow,  extri- 
cating himself  from  the  mass,  retired  to  the  quar- 
ter-deck. 

"  Give  way,  men ! "  he  again  shouted,  so  clear 
and  steady  as  to  be  heard  above  the  cries  and 
execrations  of  the  fight.  "  Into  the  wings ;  down, 
between  the  guns — down — to  your  covers  V\ 

The  English  disappeared,  as  if  by  magic. 
Some  leaped  upon  the  ridge-ropes,  others  sought 
the  protection  of  the  guns,  and  many  went  through 
the  hatches.  At  that  moment  Ludlow  made  his 
most  desperate  effort.  Aided  by  the  gunner,  he 
applied  matches  to  the  two  swivels,  which  had 
been  placed  in  readiness  for  a  last  resort.  The 
deck  was  enveloped  in  smoke,  and,  when  the  va- 
por lifted,  the  forward  part  of  the  ship  was  as 
clear  as  if  man  had  never  trodden  it.  All  who 
had  not  fallen  had  vanished. 

A  shout,  and  a  loud  hurrah,  brought  back 
the  defendants,  and  Ludlow  headed  a  charge  upon 
the  top-gallant-forecastle,  again,  in  person.  A  few 
of  the  assailants  showed  themselves  from  behind 
covers  on  the  deck,  and  the  struggle  was  renewed. 
Glaring  balls  of  fire  sailed  over  the  heads  of  the 
combatants  and  fell  among  the  throng  in  the  rear. 
Ludlow  saw  the  danger,  and  he  endeavored  to 
urge  his  people  on  to  regain  the  bow-guns,  one  of 
which  was  known  to  be  loaded.  But  the  explo- 
sion of  a  grenade  on  deck,  and  in  his  rear,  was 
followed  by  a  shock  in  the  hold,  that  threatened 
to  force  the  bottom  out  of  the  vessel.  The 
alarmed  and  weakened  crew  began  to  waver ;  and 
as  a  fresh  attack  of  grenades  was  followed  by  a 
fierce  rally,  in  which  the  assailants  brought  up 
fifty  men  in  a  body  from  their  boats,  Ludlow  found 
himself  compelled  to  retire  amid  the  retreating 
mass  of  his  own  crew. 

The  defence  now  assumed  the  character  of 
hopeless  but  desperate  resistance.  The  cries  of 
the  enemy  were  more  and  more  clamorous ;  and 
they  succeeded  in  nearly  silencing  the  top,  by  a 


THE  WATER- WITCH. 


166 

heavy  fire  of  musketry  established  on  the  bow- 
sprit and  spritsail-yard. 

Events  passed  much  faster  than  they  can  be 
related.  The  enemy  were  in  possession  of  all 
the  forward  part  of  the  ship  to  her  fore-hatches, 
but  into  these  young  Hopper  had  thrown  himself 
with  half  a  dozen  men,  and,  aided  by  a  brother 
midshipman  in  the  launch,  backed  by  a  few  fol- 
lowers, they  still  held  the  assailants  at  bay. 
Ludlow  cast  an  eye  behind  him,  and  began  to 
think  of  selling  his  life  as  dearly  as  possible  in 
the  cabins.  That  glance  was  arrested  by  the 
sight  of  the  malign  smile  of  the  sea-green  lady, 
as  the  gieaming  face  rose  above  the  taffrail.  A 
dozen  dark  forms  leaped  upon  the  poop,  and  then 
arose  a  voice  that  sent  every  tone  it  uttered  to 
his  heart. 

"  Abide  the  shock !  "  was  the  shout  of  those 
who  came  to  the  succor ;  and  "  abide  the  shock  !  " 
was  echoed  by  the  crew.  The  mysterious  image 
glided  along  the  deck,  and  Ludlow  knew  the  ath- 
letic frame  that  brushed  through  the  throng  at 
its  side. 

There  was  little  noise  in  the  onset,  save  the 
groans  of  the  sufferers.  It  endured  but  a  mo- 
ment, but  it  was  a  moment  that  resembled  the 
passage  of  a  whirlwind.  The  defendants  knew 
that  they  were  succored,  and  the  assailants  re- 
coiled before  so  unexpected  a  foe.  The  few  that 
were  caught  beneath  the  forecastle  were  merci- 
lessly slain,  and  those  above  were  swept  from 
their  post  like  chaff  drifting  in  a  gale.  The  liv- 
ing and  the  dead  were  heard  falling  into  the  sea, 
and,  in  an  inconceivably  short  space  of  time,  the 
decks  of  the  Coquette  were  free.  A  solitary  en- 
emy still  hesitated  on  the  bowsprit.  A  powerful 
and  active  frame  leaped  along  the  spar,  and 
though  the  blow  was  not  seen,  its  effects  were  vis- 
ible, as  the  victim  tumbled  helplessly  into  the 
ocean. 

The  hurried  dash  of  oars  followed,  and  before 
the  defendants  had  time  to  assure  themselves  of 
the  completeness  of  their  success,  the  gloomy 
void  of  the  surrounding  ocean  had  swallowed  up 
the  boats. 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 

i;  That  face  of  his  I  do  remember  well; 
Yet,  when  I  saw  it  last,  it  -was  besmeared 
As  black  as  "Vulcan,  in  the  smoke  of  war." 

Twelfth  Night. 

From  the  moment  when  the  Coquette  fired 
her  first  gun,  to  the  moment  when  the  retiring 
boats  became  invisible,  was  just  twenty  minutes. 


Of  this  time,  less  than  half  had  been  occupied  by 
the  incidents  related  in  the  ship.  Short  as  it  was 
in  truth,  it  seemed  to  all  engaged  but  an  instant. 
The  alarm  was  over,  the  sound  of  the  oars  had 
ceased,  and  still  the  survivors  stood  at  their 
posts  as  if  expecting  the  attack  to  be  renewed. 
Then  came  those  personal  thoughts,  which  had 
been  suspended  in  the  fearful  exigency  of  such  a 
struggle.  The  wounded  began  to  feel  their  pain, 
and  to  be  sensible  of  the  danger  of  their  injuries ; 
while  the  few,  who  had  escaped  unhurt,  turned  a 
friendly  care  on  their  shipmates.  Ludlow,  as  of- 
ten happens  with  the  bravest  and  most  exposed, 
had  escaped  without  a  scratch ;  but  he  saw  by 
the  drooping  forms  around  him,  which  were  no 
longer  sustained  by  the  excitement  of  battle,  that 
his  triumph  was  dearly  purchased. 

"  Send  Mr.  Trysail  to  me,"  he  said,  in  a  tone 
that  had  little  of  a  victor's  exultation.  u  The 
land-breeze  has  made,  and  we  will  endeavor  to 
improve  it,  and  get  inside  the  cape,  lest  the  morn- 
ing light  give  us  more  of  these  Frenchmen." 

The  order  for  «  Mr.  Trysail ! "  "  The  captain 
calls  the  master !  "  passed  in  a  low  call  from 
mouth  to  mouth,  but  it  was  unanswered.  A  sea- 
man told  the  expecting  young  commander  that 
the  surgeon  desired  his  presence  forward.  A 
gleaming  of  lights  and  a  little  group  at  the  foot 
of  the  foremast  was  a  beacon  not  to  be  mistaken. 
The  weather-beaten  master  was  in  agony ;  and 
his  medical  attendant  had  just  risen  from  a  fruit- 
less examination  of  his  wounds,  as  Ludlow  ap- 
proached. 

"  I  hope  the  hurt  is  not  serious  ?  "  hurriedly 
whispered  the  alarmed  young  sailor  to  the  sur- 
geon, who  was  coolly  collecting  his  implements, 
in  order  to  administer  to  some  more  promising 
subject.  "Neglect  nothing  that  your  art  can 
suggest." 

"  The  case  is  desperate,  Captain  Ludlow,"  re- 
turned the  phlegmatic  surgeon ;  "  but  if  you 
have  a  taste  for  such  things,  there  is  as  beautiful 
a  case  for  amputation  promised  in  the  foretop-man 
whom  I  have  had  sent  below,  as  offers  once  in  a 
whole  life  of  active  practice  ! " 

"  Go,  go — "  interrupted  Ludlow,  half  pushing 
the  unmoved  man  of  blood  away,  as  he  spoke ; 
"  go,  then,  where  your  services  are  needed." 

The  other  cast  a  glance  around  him,  reproved 
his  attendant,  in  a  sharp  tone,  for  unnecessarily 
exposing  the  blade  of  some  ferocious-looking  in- 
strument to  the  dew,  and  departed. 

"  Would  to  God  that  some  portion  of  these 
injuries  had  befallen  those  who  are  younger  and 
stronger  !  "  murmured  the  captain,  as  he  leaned 
over  the  dying  master.    "  Can  I  do  aught  to 


AN  ALARM 

relieve  thy  mind,  my  old  and  worthy  ship- 
mate ?  " 

"  I  have  had  my  misgivings,  since  we  have  dealt 
with  witchcraft !  "  returned  Trysail,  whose  voice 
the  rattling  of  the  throat  had  already  nearly  si- 
lenced; "I  have  had  misgivings — but  no  mat- 
ter. Take  care  of  the  ship — I  have  been  think- 
ing of  our  people — you'll  have  to  cut — they  can 
never  lift  the  anchor — the  wind  is  here  at  north." 

"  All  this  is  ordered.  Trouble  thyself  no  fur- 
ther about  the  vessel ;  she  shall  be  taken  care  of, 
I  promise  you.  Speak  of  thy  wife,  and  of  thy 
wishes  in  England." 

"  God  bless  Mrs.  Trysail !  She'll  get  a  pen- 
sion, and  I  hope  contentment !  You  must  give 
the  reef  a  good  berth,  in  rounding  Montauk — and 
you'll  naturally  wish  to  find  the  anchors  again 
when  the  coast  is  clear — if  you  can  find  it  in  your 
conscience,  say  a  good  word  of  poor  old  Ben  Try- 
sail, in  the  dispatches — " 

The  voice  of  the  master  sank  to  a  whisper, 
and  became  inaudible.  Ludlow  thought  he  strove 
to  speak  again,  and  he  bent  his  ear  to  his  mouth. 

"  I  say — the  weather-main-swifter  and  both 
backstays  are  gone  ;  look  to  the  spars,  for — for 
— there  are  sometimes — heavy  puffs  at  night — in 
the  Americas ! " 

The  last  heavy  respiration  succeeded,  after 
which  came  the  long  silence  of  death.  The  body 
was  removed  to  the  poop,  and  Ludlow,  with  a 
saddened  heart,  turned  to  duties  that  this  acci- 
dent rendered  still  more  imperative. 

Notwithstanding  the  heavy  loss,  and  the  origi- 
nally weakened  state  of  her  crew,  the  sails  of  the 
Coquette  were  soon  spread,  and  the  ship  moved 
away  in  silence,  as  if  sorrowing  for  those  who  had 
fallen  at  her  anchorage.  When  the  vessel  was 
fairly  in  motion,  her  captain  ascended  to  the 
poop,  in  order  to  command  a  clearer  view  of  all 
around  him,  as  well  as  to  profit  by  the  situation  to 
arrange  his  plans  for  the  future.  He  found  he 
had  been  anticipated  by  the  free-trader. 

"  I  owe  my  ship — I  may  say  my  life,  since  in 
such  a  conflict  they  would  have  gone  together, 
to  thy  succor ! "  said  the  young  commander,  as 
he  approached  the  motionless  form  of  the  smug- 
gler. "  Without  it,  Queen  Anne  would  have  lost 
a  cruiser,  and  the  flag  of  England  a  portion  of  its 
well-earned  glory." 

"  May  thy  royal  mistress  prove  as  ready  to  re- 
member her  friends  in  emergencies  as  mine.  In 
good  truth,  there  was  little  tine  to  lose,  and,  trust 
me,  we  well  understood  the  extremity.  If  we 
were  tardy,  it  was  because  whale-boats  were  to 
be  brought  from  a  distance  ;  for  the  land  lies  be- 
tween my  brigantine  and  the  sea," 


OF  FIRE.  167 

"  He  who  came  so  opportunely,  and  acted  so 
well,  needs  no  apology." 

"  Captain  Ludlow,  are  we  friends  ?  " 

"  It  cannot  be  otherwise.  All  minor  consid- 
erations must  be  lost  in  such  a  service.  If  it  is 
your  intention  to  push  this  illegal  trade  further 
on  the  coast,  I  must  seek  another  station." 

uNot  so.  Remain,  and  do  credit  to  your  flag 
and  the  land  of  your  birth.  I  have  long  thought 
this  is  the  last  time  the  keel  of  the  Water-Witch 
will  ever  plough  the  American  seas.  Before  I  quit 
you,  I  would  have  an  interview  with  the  mer- 
chant. A  worse  man  might  have  fallen,  and  just 
now  even  a  better  man  might  be  spared.  I  hope 
no  harm  has  come  to  him  ?  " 

"  He  has  shown  the  steadiness  of  his  Holland 
lineage  to-day.  During  the  boarding  he  was  use- 
ful and  cool." 

"  It  is  well.  Let  the  alderman  be  summoned 
to  the  deck,  for  my  time  is  limited,  and  I  have 
much  to  say — " 

The  Skimmer  paused,  for  at  that  moment  a 
fierce  light  glared  upon  the  ocean,  the  ship,  and 
all  in  it.  The  two  seamen  gazed  at  each  other  in 
silence,  and  recoiled,  as  men  recede  before  an  un- 
expected and  fearful  attack.  But  a  bright  and 
wavering  light,  which  rose  out  of  the  forward 
hatch  of  the  vessel,  explained  all.  At  the  same 
moment,  the  deep  stillness  which,  since  the  bustle 
of  making  sail  had  ceased,  pervaded  the  ship, 
was  broken  by  the  appalling  cry  of  "  Fire  ! " 

The  alarm  which  brings  the  blood  in  the  swift- 
est current  to  a  seaman's  heart,  was  now  heard 
in  the  depths  of  the  vessel.  The  smothered 
sounds  below,  the  advancing  uproar,  and  the 
rush  on  deck,  with  the  awful  summons  in  the 
open  air,  succeeded  each  other  with  the  rapidity 
of  lightning.  A  dozen  voices  repeated  the  word 
"  The  grenade !  "  proclaiming  in  a  breath  both 
the  danger  and  the  cause.  But  an  instant  before, 
the  swelling  canvas,  the  dusky  spars,  and  the 
faint  lines  of  the  cordage,  were  only  to  be  traced  by 
the  glimmering  light  of  the  stars  ;  now  the  whole 
hamper  of  the  ship  was  the  more  conspicuous, 
from  the  obscure  background  against  which  it 
was  drawn  in  distinct  fines.  The  sight  was  fear- 
fully beautiful  —  beautiful,  for  it  showed  the 
symmetry  and  fine  outlines  of  the  vessel's  rig,  re- 
sembling the  effect  of  a  group  of  statuary  seen 
by  torch-light — fearful,  since  the  dark  void  be- 
yond seemed  to  declare  their  isolated  and  helpless 
state. 

There  was  one  breathless,  eloquent  moment 
in  which  all  were  seen  gazing  at  the  grand  spec- 
tacle in  mute  awe — then  a  voice  rose,  clear,  dis- 
tinct, and  oommanding,  above  the  sullen  sound 


168 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


of  the  torrent  of  fire,  which  was  roaring  among 
the  avenues  of  the  ship. 

"  Call  all  hands  to  extinguish  fire  !  Gentle- 
men, to  your  stations.  Be  cool,  men ;  and  be  si- 
lent !  n 

There  was  a  calmness  and  an  authority  in 
the  tones  of  the  young  commander,  that  curbed 
the  impetuous  feelings  of  the  startled  crew.  Ac- 
customed to  obedience,  and  trained  to  order,  each 
man  woke  out  of  his  trance  and  eagerly  com- 
menced the  discharge  of  his  allotted  duty.  At 
that  instant,  an  erect  and  unmoved  form  stood 
on  the  coamings  of  the  main  hatch.  A  hand  was 
raised  in  the  air,  and  the  call  which  came  from 
the  deep  chest  was  like  that  of  one  used  to  speak 
in  the  tempest. 

"  Where  are  my  brigantines  ?  "  it  said. — 
"  Come  away  there,  my  sea-dogs ;  wet  the  light 
sails,  and  follow  ! " 

A  group  of  grave  and  submissive  mariners 
gathered  about  the  "  Skimmer  of  the  Seas,"  at 
the  sound  of  his  voice.  Glancing  an  eye  over 
them,  as  if  to  scan  their  quality  and  number,  he 
smiled  with  a  look  in  which  high  daring  and 
practised  self-command  were  blended  with  a  con- 
stitutional gaite  de  cceur. 

"One  deck  or  two!" — he  added;  "what 
avails  a  plank  more  or  less,  in  an  explosion  ?  — 
Follow ! " 

The  free-trader  and  his  people  disappeared  in 
the  interior  of  the  ship.  An  interval  of  great 
and  resolute  exertion  succeeded.  Blankets,  sails, 
and  every  thing  which  offered,  and  which  prom- 
ised to  be  of  use,  were  wetted  and  cast  upon 
the  flames.  The  engine  was  brought  to  bear, 
and  the  ship  was  deluged  with  water.  But  the 
confined  space,  with  the  heat  and  smoke,  rendered 
it  impossible  to  penetrate  to  those  parts  of  the 
vessel  where  the  conflagration  raged.  The  ardor 
of  the  men  abated  as  hope  lessened ;  and,  after 
half  an  hour  of  fruitless  exertion,  Ludlow  saw 
with  pain  that  his  assistants  began  to  yield  to 
the  inextinguishable  principle  of  Nature.  The 
appearance  of  the  Skimmer  on  deck,  followed  by 
all  his  people,  destroyed  hope,  and  every  effort 
ceased  as  suddenly  as  it  had  commenced. 

"  Think  of  your  wounded,"  whispered  the 
free-trader,  with  a  steadiness  no  danger  could  dis- 
turb.   "  We  stand  on  a  raging  volcano ! " 

"  I  have  ordered  the  gunner  to  drown  the 
magazine."^ 

"  He  was  too  late.  The  hold  of  the  ship  is  a 
fiery  furnace.  I  heard  him  fall  among  the  store- 
rooms, and  it  surpassed  the  power  of  man  to  give 
the  wretch  succor.  The  grenade  has  fallen  near 
some  combustibles,  and,  painful  as  it  is  to  part 


with  a  ship  so  loved,  Ludlow,  thou  wilt  meet  the 
loss  like  a  man  !  Think  of  thy  wounded ;  my 
boats  are  still  hanging  at  the  stern." 

Ludlow  reluctantly  but  firmly  gave  the  order 
to  bear  the  wounded  to  the  boats.  This  was  an 
arduous  and  delicate  duty.  The  smallest  boy  in 
the  ship  knew  the  whole  extent  of  the  danger, 
and  that  a  moment,  by  the  explosion  of  the  pow- 
der, might  precipitate  them  all  into  eternity. 
The  deck  forward  was  getting  too  hot  to  be  en- 
dured, and  there  were  places  even  in  which  the 
beams  had  given  symptoms  of  yielding. 

But  the  poop,  elevated  still  above  the  fire, 
offered  a  momentary  refuge.  Thither  all  retired, 
while  the  weak  and  wounded  were  lowered,  with 
the  caution  circumstances  would  permit,  into  the 
whale-boats  of  the  smugglers. 

Ludlow  stood  at  one  ladder  and  the  free-trad- 
er at  the  other,  in  order  to  be  certain  that  none 
proved  recreant  in  so  trying  a  moment.  Near 
them  were  Alida,  Seadrift,  and  the  alderman,  with 
the  attendants  of  the  former. 

It  seemed  an  age  before  this  humane  and  ten- 
der duty  was  performed.  At  length  the  cry  of 
"  All  in  !  "  was  uttered,  in  a  manner  to  betray  the 
extent  of  the  self-command  that  had  been  neces- 
sary to  effect  it. 

"  Now,  Alida,  we  may  think  of  thee  ! "  said 
Ludlow,  turning  to  the  spot  occupied  by  the  si- 
lent heiress. 

"  And  you !  "  she  said,  hesitating  to  move. 

"  Duty  demands  that  I  should  be  the  last — " 

A  sharp  explosion  beneath,  and  fragments  of 
fire  flying  upward  through  a  hatch,  interrupted  his 
words.  Plunges  into  the  sea,  and  a  rush  of  the 
people  to  the  boats,  followed.  All  order  and  au- 
thority were  completely  lost,  in  the  instinct  of  life. 
In  vain  did  Ludlow  call  on  his  men  to  be  cool,  and 
to  wait  for  those  who  were  still  above.  His  words 
were  lost,  in  the  uproar  of  clamorous  voices.  For 
a  moment  it  seemed,  however,  as  if  the  "  Skim- 
mer of  the  Seas  "  would  overcome  the  confusion. 
Throwing  himself  on  a  ladder,  he  glided  into  the 
bows  of  one  of  the  boats,  and,  holding  by  the 
ropes  with  a  vigorous  arm,  he  resisted  the  efforts 
of  all  the  oars  and  boat-hooks,  while  he  de- 
nounced destruction  on  him  who  dared  to  quit 
the  ship.  Had  not  the  two  crews  been  mingled, 
the  high  authority  and  determined  mien  of  the 
free-trader  would  have  prevailed  ;  but,  while  some 
were  disposed  to  obey,  others  raised  a  cry  of 
"  Throw  the  dealer  in  witchcraft  into  the  sea  ! " 
Boat-hooks  were  already  pointed  at  his  breast, 
and  the  horrors  of  the  fearful  moment  were  about 
to  be  increased  by  the  violence  of  a  mutinous  con- 
tention, when  a  second  explosion  nerved  the  arms 


A  HELPLESS  PARTY. 


169 


of  the  rowers  to  madness.  With  a  common  and 
desperate  effort,  they  overcame  all  resistance. 
Swinging  off  upon  the  ladder,  the  furious  seaman 
saw  the  boat  glide  from  his  grasp,  and  depart. 
The  execration  that  was  uttered,  beneath  the 
stern  of  the  Coquette,  was  deep  and  powerful ; 
but,  in  another  moment,  the  Skimmer  stood  on  the 
poop,  calm  and  undejected,  in  the  centre  of  the 
deserted  group. 

"  The  explosion  of  a  few  of  the  officers'  pistols 
has  frightened  the  miscreants,"  be  said  cheerfully. 
"  But  hope  is  not  yet  lost !— They  linger  in  the 
distance,  and  may  return !  " 

The  sight  of  the  helpless  party  on  the  poop, 
and  the  consciousness  of  being  less  exposed 
themselves,  had  indeed  arrested  the  progress  of 
the  fugitives.  Still,  selfishness  predominated; 
and,  while  most  regretted  their  danger,  none  but 
the  young  and  unheeded  midshipmen,  who  were 
neither  of  an  age  nor  of  a  rank  to  wield  sufficient 
authority,  proposed  to  return.  There  was  little 
argument  necessary  to  show  that  the  perils  in- 
creased at  each  moment ;  and,  finding  that  no  oth- 
er expedient  remained,  the  gallant  youths  encour- 
aged the  men  to  pull  toward  the  land,  intending 
themselves  to  return  instantly  to  the  assistance 
of  their  commander  and  his  friends.  The  oars 
dashed  into  the  water  again,  and  the  retiring 
boats  were  soon  lost  to  view  in  the  body  of  dark- 
ness. 

While  the  fire  had  been  raging  within,  another 
element  without  had  aided  to  lessen  hope  for 
those  who  were  abandoned.  The  wind  from  the 
land  had  continued  to  rise,  and,  during  the  time 
lost  in  useless  exertion,  the  ship  had  been  per- 
mitted to  run  nearly  before  it.  When  hope  was 
gone,  the  helm  had  been  deserted,  and,  as  all  the 
lower  sails  had  been  hauled  up  to  avoid  the  flames, 
the  vessel  had  drifted  many  minutes  nearly  dead 
to  leeward.  The  mistaken  youths,  who  had  not 
attended  to  these  circumstances,  were  already 
miles  from  that  beach  they  hoped  to  reach  so 
soon ;  and,  ere  the  boats  had  separated  from  the 
ship  five  minutes,  they  were  hopelessly  asunder. 
Ludlow  had  early  thought  of  the  expedient  of 
stranding  the  vessel  as  the  means  of  saving  her 
people ;  but  his  better  knowledge  of  their  posi- 
tion soon  showed  him  the  utter  futility  of  the  at- 
tempt. 

Of  the  progress  of  the  flames  beneath,  the 
mariners  could  only  judge  by  circumstances. 
The  Skimmer  glanced  his  eye  about  him,  on  re- 
gaining the  poop,  and  appeared  to  scan  the 
amount  and  quality  of  the  physical  force  that  was 
still  at  their  disposal.  He  saw  that  the  alderman, 
the  faithful  Francis,  and  two  of  his  own  seamen, 


with  four  of  the  petty  officers  of  the  ship,  re- 
mained. The  six  latter,  even  in  that  moment  of 
desperation,  had  calmly  refused  to  desert  their 
officers. 

"  The  flames  are  in  the  state-rooms ! "  he 
whispered  to  Ludlow. 

"  Not  farther  aft,  I  think,  than  the  berths  of 
the  midshipmen — else  we  should  hear  more  pis- 
tols." 

"  True — they  are  fearful  signals  to  let  us 
know  the  progress  of  the  fire  I — our  resource  is  a 
raft." 

Ludlow  looked  as  if  he  despaired  of  the  means, 
but,  concealing  the  discouraging  fear,  he  answered 
cheerfully  in  the  affirmative.  The  orders  were 
instantly  given,  and  all  on  board  gave  themselves 
to  the  task,  heart  and  hand.  The  danger  was 
one  that  admitted  of  no  ordinary  or  half-con- 
ceived expedients ;  but,  in  such  an  emergency,  it 
required  all  the  readiness  of  their  art,  and  even 
the  greatness  of  that  conception  which  is  the 
property  of  genius.  All  distinctions  of  rank  and 
authority  had  ceased,  except  as  deference  was 
paid  to  natural  qualities  and  the  intelligence 
of  experience.  Under  such  circumstances,  the 
"  Skimmer  of  the  Seas "  took  the  lead ;  and 
though  Ludlow  caught  his  ideas  with  professional 
quickness,  it  was  the  mind  of  the  free-trader  that 
controlled  throughout  the  succeeding  exertions 
of  that  fearful  night. 

The  cheek  of  Alida  was  blanched  to  a  deadly 
paleness  ;  but  there  rested  about  the  bright  and 
wild  eyes  of  Seadrift  an  expression  of  supernatu- 
ral resolution. 

When  the  crew  abandoned  the  hope  of  ex- 
tinguishing the  flames,  they  closed  all  the  hatches, 
to  retard  the  crisis  as  much  as  possible.  Here 
and  there,  however,  little  torch-like  lights  were 
beginning  to  show  themselves  through  the  planks, 
and  the  whole  deck  forward  of  the  main-mast  was 
already  in  a  critical  and  sinking  state.  One  or 
two  of  the  beams  had  failed ;  but,  as  yet,  the 
form  of  the  construction  was  preserved.  Still 
the  seamen  distrusted  the  treacherous  footing ; 
and,  had  the  heat  permitted  the  experiment,  they 
would  have  shrunk  from  a  risk  which  at  any 
unexpected  moment  might  commit  them  to  the 
fiery  furnace  beneath. 

The  smoke  ceased,  and  a  clear,  powerful  light 
illuminated  the  ship  to  her  trucks.  In  conse- 
quence of  the  care  and  exertions  of  her  people, 
the  sails  and  masts  were  yet  untouched ;  and,  as 
the  graceful  canvas  swelled  with  the  breeze,  it 
still  urged  the  blazing  hull  through  the  water. 

The  forms  of  the  Skimmer  and  Iris  assistants 
were  visible,  in  the  midst  of  the  gallant  gear, 


170 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


perched  on  the  giddy  yards.  Seen  by  that  light 
with  his  peculiar  attire,  his  firm  and  certain  step, 
and  his  resolute  air,  the  free-trader  resembled 
some  fancied  sea-god,  who,  secure  in  his  immor- 
tal immunities,  had  come  to  act  his  part  in  that 
awful  but  exciting  trial  of  hardihood  and  skill. 
Seconded  by  the  common  men,  he  was  employed 
in  cutting  the  canvas  from  the  yards.  Sail  after 
sail  fell  upon  the  deck,  and,  in  an  incredibly 
short  space  of  time,  the  whole  of  the  foremast 
was  naked  to  its  spars  and  rigging. 

In  the  mean  time,  Ludlow,  assisted  by  the  al- 
derman and  Francois,  had  not  been  idle  below. 
Passing  forward  between  the  empty  ridge-ropes, 
lanyard  after  lanyard  parted  under  the  blows  of 
their  little  boarding-axes.  The  mast  now  de- 
pended on  the  strength  of  the  wood  and  the  sup- 
port of  a  single  back-stay. 

"  Lay  down  !  "  shouted  Ludlow.  "  All  is  gone 
aft,  but  this  stay ! " 

The  Skimmer  leaped  upon  the  firm  rope,  fol- 
lowed by  all  aloft,  and,  gliding  downward,  he  was 
instantly  in  the  hammock-cloths.  A  crash  fol- 
lowed their  descent,  and  an  explosion,  which 
caused  the  whole  of  the  burning  fabric  to  tremble 
to  its  centre,  seemed  to  announce  the  end  of  all. 
Even  the  free-trader  recoiled  before  the  horrible 
din ;  but,  when  he  stood  near  Seadrift  and  the 
heiress  again,  there  was  cheerfulness  in  his  tones, 
and  a  look  of  high,  and  even  of  gay  resolution, 
in  his  firm  countenance. 

"  The  deck  has  failed  forward,"  he  said,  "  and 
our  artillery  is  beginning  to  utter  fearful  signal- 
guns  !  Be  of  cheer ! — the  magazine  of  a  ship 
lies  deep,  and  many  sheathed  bulkheads  still  pro- 
tect us." 

Another  discharge  from  a  heated  gun,  how- 
ever, proclaimed  the  rapid  progress  of  the  flames. 
The  fire  broke  out  of  the  interior  anew,  and  the 
foremast  kindled. 

"  There  must  be  an  end  of  this  ! "  said  Alida, 
clasping  her  hands  in  a  terror  that  could  not  be 
controlled.  "  Save  yourselves,  if  possible,  you 
who  have  strength  and  courage,  and  leave  us  to 
the  mercy  of  Him  whose  eye  is  over  all ! " 

"  Go  !  "  added  Seadrift,  whose  sex  could  no 
longer  be  concealed.  "  Human  courage  can  do 
no  more ;  leave  us  to  die  ! " 

The  looks  that  were  returned  to  these  sad 
requests  were  melancholy,  but  unmoved.  The 
Skimmer  caught  a  rope,  and,  still  holding  it  in  his 
hand,  he  descended  to  the  quarter-deck,  on  which 
he  at  first  trusted  his  weight  with  jealous  caution. 
Then,  looking  up,  he  smiled  encouragingly,  and 
said,  "  Where  a  gun  still  stands,  there  is  no  dan- 
ger for  the  weight  of  a  man ! " 


"  It  is  our  only  resource,"  cried  Ludlow,  imi- 
tating his  example.  "  On,  my  men,  while  the 
beams  will  still  hold  us." 

In  a  moment,  all  were  on  the  quarter-deck, 
though  the  excessive  heat  rendered  it  impossible 
to  remain  stationary  an  instant.  A  gun  on  each 
side  was  run  in,  its  tackles  loosened,  and  its  muz- 
zle pointed  toward  the  tottering,  unsupported, 
but  still  upright  foremast. 

"Aim  at  the  cleets ! "  said  Ludlow  to  the 
Skimmer,  who  pointed  one  gun,  while  he  did  the 
same  office  at  the  other. 

"  Hold  !  "  cried  the  latter.  "  Throw  in  shot, 
it  is  but  the  chance  between  a  bursting  gun  and 
a  lighted  magazine !  " 

Additional  balls  were  introduced  into  each 
piece,  and  then,  with  steady  hands,  the  gallant 
mariners  applied  burning  brands  to  the  priming. 
The  discharges  were  simultaneous,  and  for  an  in- 
stant volumes  of  smoke  rolled  along  the  deck 
and  seemed  to  triumph  over  the  conflagration. 
The  rending  of  wood  was  audible.  It  was  fol- 
lowed by  a  sweeping  noise  in  the  air,  and  the  fall 
of  the  foremast,  with  all  its  burden  of  spars,  into 
the  sea.  The  motion  of  the  ship  was  instantly 
arrested,  and,  as  the  heavy  timbers  were  still  at- 
tached to  the  bowsprit  by  the  forward  stays,  her 
head  came  to  the  wind,  when  the  remaining  top- 
sails flapped,  shivered,  and  took  aback. 

The  vessel  was  now,  for  the  first  time  during 
the  fire,  stationary.  The  common  mariners  prof- 
ited by  the  circumstance  :  and,  darting  past  the 
mounting  flame  along  the  bulwarks,  they  gained 
the  topgallant  forecastle,  which,  though  heated, 
was  yet  untouched.  The  Skimmer  glanced  an 
eye  about  him,  and  seizing  Seadrift  by  the  waist, 
as  if  the  mimic  seaman  had  been  a  child,  he 
pushed  forward  between  the  ridge-ropes.  Lud- 
low followed  with  Alida,  and  the  others  imitated 
their  example  in  the  best  manner  they  could. 
All  reached  the  head  of  the  ship  in  safety ;  though 
Ludlow  had  been  driven  by  the  flames  into  the 
fore-channels,  and  thence  nearly  into  the  sea. 

The  petty  officers  were  already  on  the  floating 
spars  separating  them  from  each  other,  cutting 
away  the  unnecessary  weight  of  rigging,  bringing 
the  several  parts  of  the  wood  in  parallel  lines,  and 
lashing  them  anew.  Ever  and  anon,  these  rapid 
movements  were  quickened  by  one  of  those  fear- 
ful signals  from  the  officers'  berths,  which,  by  an- 
nouncing the  progress  of  the  flames  beneath,  be- 
trayed their  increasing  proximity  to  the  still  slum- 
bering volcano.  The  boats  had  been  gone  an  hour, 
yet  it  seemed,  to  all  in  the  ship,  but  a  minute. 
The  conflagration  had,  for  the  last  ten  minutes, 
advanced  with  renewed  fnry ;  and  the  whole  of 


THE  COQUETTE  DESTROYED. 


171 


the  confined  flame,  which  had  been  so  long  pent 
in  the  depths  of  the  vessel,  now  glared  high  in  the 
open  air. 

"This  heat  can  no  longer  be  borne,"  said 
Ludlow  ;  "  we  must  to  our  raft  for  breath." 

"  To  the  raft,  then  !  "  returned  the  cheerful 
voice  of  the  free-trader.  "Haul  in  upon  your 
fasts,  men,  and  stand  by  to  receive  the  precious 
freight." 

The  seamen  obeyed.  Alida  and  her  compan- 
ions were  lowered  safely  to  the  place  prepared 
for  their  reception.  The  foremast  had  gone  over 
the  side  with  all  its  spars  aloft ;  for  preparation 
had  been  made,  before  the  fire  commenced,  to 
carry  sail  to  the  utmost  in  order  to  escape  the 
enemy.  The  skilful  and  active  seamen,  directed 
and  aided  by  Ludlow  and  the  Skimmer,  had  made 
a  simple  but  happy  disposition  of  those  buoyant 
materials  on  which  their  all  now  depended.  In 
settling  in  the  water,  the  yards,  still  crossed,  had 
happily  fallen  uppermost.  The  booms  and  all 
the  light  spars  had  been  floated  near  the  top,  and 
laid  across,  reaching  from  the  lower  to  the  top- 
sail-yard. A  few  light  spars,  stowed  outboard, 
had  been  cut  away  and  added  to  the  number,  and 
the  whole  were  secured  with  the  readiness  and 
ingenuity  of  seamen.  On  the  first  alarm  of  fire, 
some  of  the  crew  had  seized  a  few  light  articles 
that  would  float,  and  rushed  to  the  head,  as  the 
place  most  remote  from  the  magazine,  in  the 
blind  hope  of  saving  life  by  swimming.  Most  of 
these  articles  had  been  deserted  when  the  people 
were  rallied  to  exertion  by  their  officers.  A 
couple  of  empty  shot-boxes  and  a  mess-chest 
were  among  them,  and  on  the  latter  were  seated 
the  females,  while  the  former  served  to  keep 
their  feet  from  the  water.  As  the  arrangement 
of  the  opars  forced  the  principal  mast  entirely 
beneath  the  element,  and  the  ship  was  so  small 
as  to  need  little  artificial  work  in  her  masting,  the 
part  around  the  top,  which  contained  the  stag- 
ing, was  scarcely  submerged.  Although  a  ton 
in  weight  was  added  to  the  inherent  gravity  of 
the  wood,  still,  as  the  latter  was  of  the  lightest 
description,  and  freed  aa  much  as  possible  of 
everything  that  was  unnecessary  to  the  safety  of 
those  it  supported,  the  spars  floated  sufficiently 
buoyant  for  the  temporary  security  of  the  fugi- 
tives. 

"  Cut  the  fasts  ! "  said  Ludlow,  involuntarily 
starting  at  several  explosions  in  the  interior, 
which  followed  each  other  in  quick  succession, 
and  which  were  succeeded  by  one  which  sent 
fragments  of  burning  wood  into  the  air.  «  Cut, 
and  bear  the  raft  off  the  ship  ! — God  knows  we 
have  need  to  be  farther  asunder  !  " 


"  Cut  not ! "  cried  the  half-frantic  Seadrift— 
"  my  brave  ! — my  devoted ! — " 

"  Is  safe — "  calmly  said  the  Skimmer,  ap- 
pearing in  the  rattlins  of  the  main-rigging,  which 
was  still  untouched  by  the  fire. — "  Cut  off  all  t  I 
stay  to  brace  the  mizzen-topsail  more  firmly 
aback." 

The  duty  was  done,  and  for  a  moment  the  fine 
figure  of  the  free-trader  was  seen  standing  on  the 
edge  of  the  burning  ship,  looking  with  regret  at 
the  glowing  mass. 

"  'Tis  the  end  of  a  lovely  craft !  "  he  said, 
loud  enough  to  be  heard  by  those  beneath. 
Then  he  appeared  in  the  air  and  sank  into  the 
sea.  "  The  last  signal  was  from  the  ward-room," 
added  the  dauntless  and  dexterous  mariner  as 
he  rose  from  the  water,  and,  shaking  the  brine 
from  his  head,  he  took  his  place  on  the  stage. 
"  Would  to  God  the  wind  would  blow,  for  we 
have  need  of  greater  distance ! " 

The  precaution  the  free-trader  had  taken  in 
adjusting  the  sails  was  not  without  its  use.  Mo- 
tion the  raft  had  none,  but  as  the  topsails  of  the 
Coquette  were  still  aback,  the  flaming  mass,  no 
longer  arrested  by  the  clogs  in  the  water,  began 
slowly  to  separate  from  the  floating  spars,  though 
the  tottering  and  half-burnt  masts  threatened,  at 
each  moment,  to  fall. 

Never  did  moments  seem  so  long  as  those 
which  succeeded.  Even  the  Skimmer  and  Lud- 
low watched,  in  speechless  interest,  the  tardy 
movements  of  the  ship.  By  little  and  little  she 
receded;  and,  after  ten  minutes  of  intense  ex- 
pectation, the  seamen,  whose  anxiety  had  in- 
creased as  their  exertions  ended,  began  to  breathe 
more  freely.  They  were  still  fearfully  near  the 
dangerous  fabric,  but  destruction  from  the  ex- 
plosion was  no  longer  inevitable.  The  flames 
began  to  glide  upward,  and  the  heavens  appeared 
on  fire,  as  one  heated  sail  after  another  kindled 
and  flared  wildly  in  the  breeze. 

Still  the  stern  of  the  vessel  was  entire.  The 
body  of  the  master  was  seated  against  the  mizzen- 
mast,  and  even  the  stern  visage  of  the  old  seaman 
was  distinctly  visible,  under  the  broad  fight  of 
the  conflagration.  Ludlow  gazed  at  it  in  melan- 
choly, and  for  a  time  he  ceased  to  think  of  his 
ship,  while  memory  dwelt,  in  sadness,  on  those 
scenes  of  boyish  happiness,  and  of  professional 
pleasures,  in  which  his  ancient  shipmate  had  so 
largely  participated.  The  roar  of  a  gun,  whose 
stream  of  fire  flashed  nearly  to  their  faces,  and 
the  sullen  whistling  of  its  shot,  which  crossed 
the  raft,  failed  to  awaken  him  from  his  trance. 

"  Stand  firm  to  the  mess-chest ! "  half-whis- 
pered the  Skimmer,  motioning  to  his  companions 


172 


THE  WATER- WITCH. 


to  place  themselves  in  attitudes  to  support  the 
weaker  of  their  party,  while,  with  sedulous  care, 
he  braced  his  own  athletic  person  in  a  manner 
to  throw  all  of  its  weight  and  strength  against 
the  seat.    "  Stand  firm,  and  be  ready  !  " 

Ludlow  complied,  though  his  eye  scarcely 
changed  its  direction.  He  saw  the  bright  flame 
that  was  rising  above  the  arm-chest,  and  he  fan- 
cied that  it  came  from  the  funeral-pile  of  the 
young' Dumont,  whose  fate,  at  that  moment,  he 
was  almost  disposed  to  envy.  Then  his  look  re- 
turned to  the  grim  countenance  of  Trysail.  At 
moments,  it  seemed  as  if  the  dead  master  spoke ; 
and  so  strong  did  the  illusion  become,  that  our 
young  sailor  more  than  once  bent  forward  to  lis- 
ten. While  under  this  delusion,  the  body  rose, 
with  the  arms  stretched  upward.  The  air  was 
filled  with  a  sheet  of  streaming  fire,  while  the 
ocean  and  the  heavens  glowed  with  one  glare  of 
intense  and  fiery  red.  Notwithstanding  the  pre- 
caution of  the  ".Skimmer  of  the  Seas,"  the  chest 
was  driven  from  its  place,  and  those  by  whom  it 
was  held  were  nearly  precipitated  into  the  water. 
A  deep,  heavy  detonation  proceeded  as  it  were 
from  the  bosom  of  the  sea,  which,  while  it 
wounded  the  ear  less  than  the  sharp  explosion 
that  had  just  before  issued  from  the  gun,  was 
audible  at  the  distant  capes  of  the  Delaware. 
The  body  of  Trysail  sailed  upward  for  fifty  fath- 
oms, in  the  centre  of  a  flood  of  flame,  and,  de- 
scribing a  short  curve,  it  came  toward  the  raft, 
and  cut  the  water  within  reach  of  the  captain's 
arm.  A  sullen  plunge  of  a  gun  followed,  and 
proclaimed  the  tremendous  power  of  the  explo- 
sion ;  while  a  ponderous  yard  fell  athwart  a  part 
of  the  raft,  sweeping  away  the  four  petty  officers 
of  Ludlow,  as  if  they  had  been  dust  driving  be- 
fore a  gale.  To  increase  the  wild  and  fearful 
grandeur  of  the  dissolution  of  the  royal  cruiser, 
one  of  the  cannon  emitted  its  fiery  contents  while 
sailing  in  the  void. 

The  burning  spars,  the  falling  fragments,  the 
blazing  and  scattered  canvas  and  cordage,  the 
glowing  shot,  and  all  the  torn  particles  of  the 
ship,  were  seen  descending.  Then  followed  the 
gurgling  of  the  water,  as  the  ocean  swallowed  all 
that  remained  of  the  cruiser  which  had  so  long 
been  the  pride  of  the  American  seas.  The  fiery 
glow  disappeared ;  and  a  gloom,  like  that  which 
succeeds  the  glare  of  vivid  lightning,  fell  on  the 
scene. 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

"  Please  you,  read." 

Ctmbeline. 

"  It  is  past !  "  said  the  "  Skimmer  of  the  Seas," 
raising  himself  from  the  attitude  of  great  muscu- 
lar exertion,  which  he  had  assumed  in  order  to 
support  the  mess-chest,  and  walking  out  along  the 
single  mast,  toward  the  spot  whence  the  four  sea- 
men of  Ludlow  had  just  been  swept.  "  It  is 
past !  and  those  who  are  called  to  the  last  ac- 
count have  met  their  fate  in  such  a  scene  as  none 
but  a  seaman  may  witness ;  while  those  who  are 
spared  have  need  of  all  a  seaman's  skill  and  res- 
olution for  that  which  remains.  Captain  Ludlow, 
I  do  not  despair ;  for,  see,  the  lady  of  the  brigan- 
tine  has  still  a  smile  for  her  servitors  !  " 

Ludlow,  who  had  followed  the  steady  and  dar- 
ing free-trader  to  the  place  where  the  spar  had 
fallen,  turned  and  cast  a  look  in  the  direction  in 
which  the  other  stretched  his  arm.  Within  a 
hundred  feet  of  him,  he  saw  the  image  of  the  sea- 
green  lady,  rocking  on  the  agitated  water,  and 
turned  toward  the  raft  with  its  usual  expression 
of  wild  and  malicious  intelligence.  This  emblem 
of  their  fancied  mistress  had  been  borne  in  front 
of  the  smugglers,  when  they  mounted  the  poop 
of  the  Coquette ;  and  the  steeled  staff  on  which 
the  lantern  was  perched  had  been  stuck  into  a 
horse-bucket  by  the  standard-bearer  of  the  mo- 
ment ere  he  entered  the  melee  of  the  combat. 
During  the  conflagration,  this  object  had  more 
than  once  met  the  eye  of  Ludlow  ;  and  now  it  ap- 
peared floating  quietly  by  him,  in  a  manner  al- 
most to  shake  even  his  contempt  for  the  ordinary 
superstitions  of  seamen.  While  he  hesitated  in 
what  manner  he  should  reply  to  his  companion's 
remark,  the  latter  plunged  into  the  sea,  and 
swam  toward  the  light.  He  was  soon  by  the  side 
of  the  raft  again,  bearing  aloft  the  symbol  of  his 
brigantine.  There  are  none  so  firm  in  the  do- 
minion of  reason  as  to  be  entirely  superior  to  the 
secret  impulses  which  teach  us  all  to  believe  in 
the  hidden  agency  of  a  good  or  an  evil  fortune. 
The  voice  of  the  free-trader  was  more  cheerful, 
and  his  step  more  sure  and  elastic,  as  he  crossed 
the  stage  and  struck  the  armed  end  of  the  staff 
into  that  part  of  the  top-rim  of  the  Coquette  which 
floated  uppermost. 

"Courage!"  he  gayly  cried.  "While  this 
light  burns,  my  star  is  not  set !  Courage,  lady 
of  the  land ;  for  here  is  one  of  the  deep  waters, 
who  still  leoks  kindly  on  her  followers !  We  are 
at  sea,  on  a  frail  craft  it  is  certain,  but  a  dull 
sailor  may  make  a  sure  passage. — Speak,  gallant 


ON  A  RAFT. 


173 


Master  Seadrift :  thy  gayety  and  spirit  should  re- 
vive under  so  goodly  an  omen !  " 

But  the  agent  of  so  many  pleasant  masquer- 
ades, and  the  instrument  of  so  much  of  his  arti- 
fice, had  not  a  fortitude  equal  to  the  buoyant 
temper  of  the  smuggler.  The  counterfeit  bowed 
his  head  by  the  side  of  the  silent  Alida,  without 
a  reply.  The  "  Skimmer  of  the  Seas  "  regarded 
the  group,  a  moment,  with  manly  interest;  and, 
touching  the  arm  of  Ludlow,  he  walked  with  a 
balancing  step  along  the  spars,  until  they  had 
reached  a  spot  where  they  might  confer  without 
causing  unnecessary  alarm  to  their  companions. 

Although  so  imminent  and  so  pressing  a  dan- 
ger as  that  of  the  explosion  had  passed,  the  situa- 
tion of  those  who  had  escaped  was  scarcely  better 
than  that  of  those  who  had  been  lost.  The  heav- 
ens showed  a  few  glimmering  stars  in  the  open- 
ings of  the  clouds  ;  and,  now  that  the  first  contrast 
of  the  change  had  lessened,  there  was  just  enough 
of  light  to  render  all  the  features  of  their  actual 
state  gloomily  imposing. 

It  has  been  said  that  the  foremast  of  the  Co- 
quette went  by  the  board,  with  most  of  its  ham- 
per aloft.  The  sails,  with  such  portion  of  the  rig- 
ging as  might  help  to  sustain  it,  had  been  hastily 
cut  away  as  related ;  and  after  its  fall,  until  the 
moment  of  the  explosion,  the  common  men  had 
been  engaged,  either  in  securing  the  staging,  or 
in  clearing  the  wreck  of  those  heavy  ropes  which, 
useless  as  fastenings,  only  added  to  the  weight  of 
the  mass.  The  whole  wreck  lay  upon  the  sea, 
with  the  yards  crossed  and  in  their  places,  much 
as  the  spars  had  stood.  The  large  booms  had 
been  unshipped,  and  laid  in  such  a  manner  around 
the  top,  with  the  ends  resting  on  the  lower  and 
topsail-yards,  as  to  form  the  foundation  of  the 
staging.  The  smaller  booms,  with  the  mess-chest 
and  shot-boxes,  were  all  that  lay  between  the 
group  in  the  centre  and  the  depths  of  the  ocean. 
The  upper  part  of  the  top-rim  rose  a  few  feet  above 
the  water,  and  formed  an  important  protection 
against  the  night-breeze  and  the  constant  washing 
of  the  waves.  In  this  manner  were  the  females 
seated,  cautioned  not  to  trust  their  feet  on  the 
frail  security  of  the  booms,  and  supported  by  the 
unremitting  care  of  the  alderman.  Francois  had 
submitted  to  be  lashed  to  the  top  by  one  of  the 
brigantine's  seamen ;  while  the  latter,  all  of  the 
common  herd  who  remained,  encouraged  by  the 
presence  of  their  standard-light,  began  to  occupy 
themselves  in  looking  to  the  fastenings  and  other 
securities  of  the  raft. 

M  We  are  in  no  condition  for  a  long  or  an  ac- 
tive cruise,  Captain  Ludlow,"  said  the  Skimmer, 
when  he  and  his  companion  were  out  of  hearing. 


"  I  have  been  at  sea  in  all  weathers,  and  in  every 
description  of  craft;  but  this  is  the  boldest  of 
my  experiments  on  the  water.  I  hope  it  may  not 
be  the  last !  " 

"  We  cannot  conceal  from  ourselves  the  fright- 
ful hazards  we  run,"  returned  Ludlow,  "  however 
much  we  may  wish  them  to  be  a  secret  to  some 
among  us." 

"  This  is  truly  a  deserted  sea  to  be  abroad  in, 
on  a  raft !  Were  we  in  the  narrow  passages  be- 
tween the  British  islands  and  the  main,  or  even 
in  the  Biscay  waters,  there  would  be  hope  that 
some  trader  or  roving  cruiser  might  cross  our 
track ;  but  our  chance  here  lies  much  between 
the  Frenchman  and  the  brigantine." 

"  The  enemy  has,  doubtless,  seen  and  heard 
the  explosion,  and,  as  the  land  is  so  near,  they 
will  infer  that  the  people  are  saved  in  the  boats. 
Our  chance  of  seeing  more  of  them  is  much  di- 
minished by  the  accident  of  the  fire,  since  there  will 
no  longer  be  a  motive  for  remaining  on  the  coast." 

"  And  will  your  young  officers  abandon  their 
captain  without  a  search  ?  " 

"  Hope  of  aid  from  that  quarter  is  faint.  The 
ship  ran  miles  while  in  flames,  and,  before  the 
light  returns,  these  spars  will  have  drifted  leagues, 
with  the  ebbing  tide,  to  seaward." 

"  Truly,  I  have  sailed  with  better  auguries  !  " 
observed  the  Skimmer.  "  What  are  the  bearings 
and  distance  of  the  land  ?  " 

"  It  still  lies  to  the  north,  but  we  are  fast  set- 
ting east  and  southerly.  Ere  morning  we  shall 
be  abeam  of  Montauk,  or  even  beyond  it;  we 
must  already  be  some  leagues  in  the  offing." 

"  That  is  worse  than  I  had  imagined ! — but 
there  is  hope  on  the  flood  ! " 

"  The  flood  will  bear  us  northward  again — 
but — what  think  you  of  the  heavens  ?  " 

"  Unfavorable,  though  not  desperate.  The  sea- 
breeze  will  return  with  the  sun." 

"  And  with  it  will  return  the  swell !  How  long 
will  these  ill-secured  spars  hold  together,  when 
agitated  by  the  heave  of  the  water?  Or  how 
long  will  those  with  us  bear  up  against  the  wash 
of  the  sea,  unsupported  by  nourishment  ?  " 

"  You  paint  in  gloomy  colors,  Captain  Lud- 
low," said  the  free-trader,  drawing  a  heavy  breath, 
in  spite  of  all  his  resolution.  "  My  experience 
tells  me  you  are  right,  though  my  wishes  would 
fain  contradict  you.  Still,  I  think  we  have  the 
promise  of  a  tranquil  night." 

"  Tranquil  for  a  ship,  or  even  for  a  boat ;  but 
hazardous  to  a  raft  like  this.  You  see  that  this 
topmast  already  works  in  the  cap  at  each  heave 
of  the  water,  and,  as  the  wood  loosens,  our  secu- 
rity lessens." 


174 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


"  Thy  counsel  is  not  flattering !  Captain  Lud- 
low, you  are  a  seaman  and  a  man,  and  I  shall  not 
attempt  to  trifle  with  your  knowledge.  With 
you,  I  think  the  danger  imminent,  and  almost  our 
only  hope  dependent  on  the  good  fortune  of  my 
brigantine." 

"  Will  those  in  her  think  it  their  duty  to  quit 
their  anchorage,  to  come  in  quest  of  a  raft  whose 
existence  is  unknown  to  them  ?  " 

"There  is  hope  in  the  vigilance  of  her  of  the 
sea-green  mantle  !  You  may  deem  this  fanciful 
or  even  worse,  at  such  a  moment ;  but  I,  who 
have  run  so  many  gantlets  under  her  favor,  have 
faith  in  her  fortunes.  Surely,  you  are  not  a  sea- 
man, Captain  Ludlow,  without  a  secret  dependence 
on  some  unseen  and  potent  agency  !  " 

"  My  dependence  is  placed  in  the  agency  of 
Him  who  is  all-potent,  but  never  visible.  If  He 
forget  us,  we  may  indeed  despair  !  " 

"This  is  well,  but  it  is  not  the  fortune  I  would 
express.  Believe  me,  spite  of  an  education  which 
teaches  all  you  have  said,  and  of  a  reason  that 
is  often  too  clear  for  folly,  there  is  a  secret  re- 
liance on  hidden  chances,  that  has  been  created 
by  a  life  of  activity  and  hazard,  and  which,  if  it 
should  do  nothing  better,  does  not  abandon  me 
to  despair.  The  omen  of  the  light  and  the  smile 
of  my  mistress  would  cheer  me,  spite  of  a  thou- 
sand philosophers !  " 

"  You  are  fortunate  in  purchasing  consolation 
so  cheaply,"  returned  the  commander  of  Queen 
Anne,  who  felt  a  latent  hope  in  his  companion's 
confidence  that  he  would  have  hesitated  to  ac- 
knowledge. "  I  see  but  little  that  we  can  do  to 
aid  our  chances,  except  it  be  to  clear  away  all  un- 
necessary weight,  and  to  secure  the  raft  as  much 
as  possible  by  additional  lashings." 

The  "  Skimmer  of  the  Seas  "  assented  to  the 
proposal.  Consulting  a  moment  longer,  on  the  de- 
tails of  their  expedients,  they  rejoined  the  group 
near  the  top,  in  order  to  see  them  executed.  As 
the  seamen  on  the  raft  were  reduced  to  the  two 
people  of  the  brigantine,  Ludlow  and  his  compan- 
ion were  obliged  to  assist  in  the  performance  of 
the  duty. 

Much  useless  rigging,  that  added  to  the  press- 
ure without  aiding  the  buoyancy  of  the  raft,  was 
cut  away ;  and  all  the  boom-irons  were  knocked 
off  the  yards,  and  suffered  to  descend  to  the  bot- 
tom of  the  ocean.  By  these  means  a  great  weight 
was  taken  from  the  raft,  which,  in  consequence, 
floated  with  so  much  additional  power  to  sustain 
those  who  depended  on  it  for  life.  The  Skimmer, 
accompanied  by  his  two  silent  but  obedient  seamen, 
ventured  along  the  attenuated  and  submerged 
spars  to  the  extremity  of  the  tapering  masts,  and, 


after  toiling  with  the  dexterity  of  men  accustomed 
to  deal  with  the  complicated  machinery  of  a  ship 
in  the  darkest  nights,  they  succeeded  in  releasmg 
the  two  smaller  masts  with  their  respective  yards 
and  in  floating  them  down  to  the  body  of  the 
wreck,  or  the  part  around  the  top.  Here  the 
sticks  were  crossed  in  a  manner  to  give  great  ad- 
ditional strength  and  footing  to  the  stage. 

There  was  an  air  of  hope,  and  a  feeling  of  in- 
creased security,  in  this  employment.  Even  the 
alderman  and  Francois  aided  in  the  task,  to  the 
extent  of  their  knowledge  and  force.  But  when 
these  alterations  were  made,  and  additional  lash- 
ings had  been  applied  to  keep  the  topmast  and 
the  larger  yards  in  their  places,  Ludlow,  by 
joining  those  who  weje  around  the  mast-head, 
tacitly  admitted  that  little  more  could  be  done  to 
avert  the  chances  of  the  elements. 

During  the  few  hours  occupied  in  this  impor- 
tant duty,  Alida  and  her  companion  addressed 
themselves  to  God  in  long  and  fervent  petitions. 
With  woman's  faith  in  that  divine  being  who 
alone  could  avail  them,  and  with  woman's  high 
mental  fortitude  in  moments  of  protracted  trial, 
they  had  both  known  how  to  control  the  exhibi- 
tion of  their  terrors,  and  had  sought  their  sup- 
port in  the  same  appeal  to  a  power  superior  to  all 
of  earth.  Ludlow  was,  therefore,  more  than  re- 
warded by  the  sound  of  Alida's  voice,  speaking  to 
him  cheerfully,  as  she  thanked  him  for  what  he 
had  done,  when  he  had  admitted  that  he  could  now 
do  no  more. 

"  The  rest  is  with  Providence  ! "  added  Alida. 
"  All  that  bold  and  skilful  seamen  can  do  have 
ye  done;  and  all  that  woman  in  such  a  situation 
can  do,  have  we  done  in  your  behalf!  " 

"Thou  hast  thought  of  me  in  thy  prayers, 
Alida !  It  is  an  intercession  that  the  stoutest 
needs,  and  which  none  but  the  fool  derides." 

"  And  thou,  Eudora !  thou  hast  remembered 
him  who  quiets  the  waters  ! "  said  a  deep  voice 
near  the  bending  form  of  the  counterfeit  Seadrift. 

"I  have." 

'  "  'Tis  well.— There  are  points  to  which  man- 
hood and  experience  may  pass,  and  there  are  those 
where  all  is  left  to  one  mightier  than  the  elements ! " 

Words  like  these,  coming  from  the  lips  of  one 
of  the  known  character  of  the  "  Skimmer  of  the 
Seas,"  were  not  given  to  the  winds.  Even  Lud- 
low cast  an  uneasy  look  at  the  heavens,  when 
they  came  upon  his  ear,  as  if  they  conveyed  a  se- 
cret notice  of  the  whole  extremity  of  the  danger 
by  which  they  were  environed.  None  answered ; 
and  a  long  silence  succeeded,  during  which  some 
of  the  more  fatigued  slumbered  uneasily,  spite  of 
their  fearful  situation. 


DISAPPOINTED  HOPE. 


175 


In  this  manner  did  the  night  pass  in  weari- 
ness and  anxiety.  Little  was  said,  and  for  hours 
scarce  a  limb  was  moved,  in  the  group  that  clus- 
tered around  the  mess-chest.  As  the  signs  of 
day  appeared,  however,  every  faculty  was  keenly 
awake  to  catch  the  first  signs  of  what  they  had  to 
hope,  or  the  first  certainty  of  what  they  had  to  fear. 

The  surface  of  the  ocean  was  still  smooth, 
though  the  long  swells  in  which  the  element  was 
heaving  and  setting,  sufficiently  indicated  that 
the  raft  had  floated  far  from  the  land.  This  fact 
was  rendered  sure  when  the  light,  which  soon  ap- 
peared along  the  eastern  margin  of  the  narrow 
view,  was  shed  gradually  over  the  whole  horizon. 
Nothing  was  at  first  visible  but  one  gloomy  and 
vacant  waste  of  water.  But  a  cry  of  joy  from 
Seadrift,  whose  senses  had  long  been  practised  in 
ocean-sights,  soon  drew  all  eyes  in  the  direction 
opposite  to  that  of  the  rising  sun,  and  it  was  not 
long  before  all  on  the  low  raft  had  a  view  of  the 
snowy  surfaces  of  a  ship's  sails,  as  the  glow  of 
morning  touched  the  canvas. 

"  It  is  the  Frenchman  ! "  said  the  free-trader. 
"  He  is  charitably  looking  for  the  wreck  of  his 
late  enemy !  " 

"  It  may  be  so,  for  our  fate  can  be  no  secret 
to  him,"  was  the  answer  of  Ludlow.  "  Unhappi- 
ly, we  had  run  some  distance  from  the  anchorage, 
before  the  flames  broke  out.  Truly,  those  with 
whom  we  so  lately  struggled  for  life,  are  bent  on 
a  duty  of  humanity." 

"Ah,  yonder  is  his  crippled  consort ! — to  lee- 
ward many  a  league.  The  gay  bird  has  been  too 
sadly  stripped  of  its  plumage  to  fly  so  near  the 
wind  !  This  is  man's  fortune  !  He  uses  his  pow- 
er, at  one  moment,  to  destroy  the  very  means 
that  become  necessary  to  his  safety  the  next." 

"  And  what  think  you  of  our  hopes  ?  "  asked 
Alida,  searching  in  the  countenance  of  Ludlow  a 
clew  to  their-fate.  "  Does  the  stranger  move  in  a 
direction  favorable  to  our  wishes  ?  " 

Neither  Ludlow  nor  the  Skimmer  replied. 
Both  regarded  the  frigate  intently ;  then,  as  ob- 
jects became  more  distinct,  both  answered  by  a 
common  impulse,  that  the  ship  was  steering  di- 
rectly toward  them.  The  declaration  excited 
general  hope,  and  even  the  negress  was  no  longer 
restrained  by  her  situation  from  expressing  her 
joy  in  vociferous  exclamations  of  delight. 

A  few  minutes  of  active  and  ready  exertion 
succeeded.  A  light  boom  was  unlashed  from  the 
raft  and  raised  on  its  end,  supporting  a  little  sig- 
nal, made  of  the  handkerchiefs  of  the  party, 
which  fluttered  in  the  light  breeze  at  the  eleva- 
tion of  some  twenty  feet  above  the  surface  of  the 
water.   After  this  precaution  was  observed,  they 


were  obliged  to  await  the  result  in  such  patience 
as  they  could  assume.  Minute  passed  after  min- 
ute, and,  at  each  moment,  the  form  and  propor- 
tions of  the  ship  became  more  distinct,  until  all 
the  mariners  of  the  party  declared  they  could  dis- 
tinguish men  on  her  yards.  A  cannon  would 
have  readily  sent  its  shot  from  the  ship  to  the 
raft,  yet  no  sign  betrayed  the  consciousness  of 
those  in  the  former  of  the  proximity  of  the  lat- 
ter. 

"  I  do  not  like  his  manner  of  steering  !  "  ob- 
served the  Skimmer  to  the  silent  and  attentive 
Ludlow.  "  He  yaws  broadly,  as  if  disposed  to 
give  up  the  search.  God  grant  him  the  heart  to 
continue  on  his  course  ten  minutes  longer!" 

"  Have  we  no  means  of  making  ourselves 
heard  ?  "  demanded  the  alderman.  "  Methinks 
the  voice  pf  a  strong  man  might  be  sent  thus  far 
across  the  water  when  life  is  at  stake." 

The  more  experienced  shook  their  heads  ;  but, 
not  discouraged,  the  burgher  raised  his  voice  with 
a  power  that  was  sustained  by  the  imminency  of 
the  peril.  He  was  joined  by  the  seamen,  and 
even  Ludlow  lent  his  aid,  until  all  were  hoarse 
with  the  fruitless  effort.  Men  were  evidently 
aloft,  and  in  some  numbers,  searching  the  ocean 
with  their  eyes,  but  still  no  answering  signal 
came  from  the  vessel. 

The  ship  continued  to  approach,  and  the  raft 
was  less  than  half  a  mile  from  her  bows,  when 
the  vast  fabric  suddenly  receded  from  the  breeze, 
showed  the  whole  of  its  glittering  broadside,  and, 
swinging  its  yards,  betrayed  by  its  new  position 
that  the  search  in  that  direction  was  abandoned. 
The  instant  Ludlow  saw  the  filling-off  of  the  frig- 
ate's bows,  he  cried : 

"  Now  raise  your  voices  together ;  this  is  the 
final  chance ! " 

They  united  in  a  common  shout,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  the  "  Skimmer  of  the  Seas."  The 
latter  leaned  against  the  top  with  folded  arms, 
listening  to  their  impotent  efforts  with  a  melan- 
choly smile. 

"  It  is  well  attempted,"  said  the  calm  and  ex- 
traordinary seaman  when  the  clamor  had  ceased, 
advancing  along  the  raft  and  motioning  for  all  to 
be  silent ;  "  but  it  has  failed.  The  swinging  of 
the  yards,  and  the  orders  given  in  wearing  ship, 
would  prevent  a  stronger  sound  from  being  audi- 
ble to  men  so  actively  employed.  I  flatter  none 
with  hope,  but  this  is  truly  the  moment  for  a  final 
effort." 

He  placed  his  hands  to  his  mouth,  and,  disre- 
garding words,  he  raised  a  cry  so  clear,  so  pow- 
erful, and  yet  so  full,  that  it  seemed  impossible 
those  in  the  vessel  should  not  hear  it.  Thrice  did 


176 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


he  repeat  the  experiment,  though  it  was  evident 
that  each  successive  exertion  was  feebler  than 
the  last. 

"  They  hear  !  "  cried  Alida.  "  There  is  a 
movement  in  the  sails  !  " 

"  'Tis  the  breeze  freshening,"  answered  Lud- 
low, in  sadness,  at  her  side.  "  Each  moment  takes 
them  away ! " 

The  melancholy  truth  was  too  apparent  for 
denial,  and  for  half  an  hour  the  retiring  ship  was 
watched  in  the  bitterness  of  disappointment.  At 
the  end  of  that  time,  she  fired  a  gun,  spread  ad- 
ditional canvas  on  her  wide  booms  and  stood 
away  before  the  wind,  to  join  her  consort,  whose 
upper  sails  were  already  dipping  to  the  surface 
of  the  sea,  in  the  southern  board.  With  this 
change  in  her  movements,  vanished  all  expecta- 
tion of  succor  from  the  cruiser  of  the  enemy. 

Perhaps,  in  every  situation  of  life,  it  is  neces- 
sary that  hope  should  be  first  lessened  by  dis- 
appointment, before  the  buoyancy  of  the  human 
mind  will  permit  it  to  descend  to  the  level  of  an 
evil  fortune.  Until  a  frustrated  effort  teaches 
him  the  difficulty  of  the  attempt,  he  who  has  fall- 
en may  hope  to  rise  again  ;  and  it  is  only  when 
an  exertion  has  been  made  with  lessened  means, 
that  we  learn  the  value  of  advantages,  which 
have  perhaps  been  long  enjoyed  with  a  very  un- 
due estimate  of  their  importance.  Until  the 
stern  of  the  French  frigate  was  seen  retiring  from 
the  raft,  those  who  were  on  it  had  not  been  fully 
sensible  of  the  extreme  danger  of  their  situation. 
Hope  had  been  strongly  excited  by  the  return 
of  dawn ;  for,  while  the  shadows  of  night  lay  on 
the  ocean,  their  situation  resembled  that  of  one 
who  strove  to  pierce  the  obscurity  of  the  future, 
in  order  to  obtain  a  presage  of  better  fortunes. 
With  the  light  had  come  the  distant  sail.  As  the 
day  advanced,  the  ship  had  approached,  relin- 
quished her  search  and  disappeared,  without  a 
prospect  of  her  return. 

The  stoutest  heart  among  the  group  on  the 
raft  began  to  sink  at  the  gloomy  fate  which  now 
seemed  inevitable. 

"  Here  is  an  evil  omen  ! "  whispered  Ludlow, 
directing  his  companion's  eyes  to  the  dark  and 
pointed  fins  of  three  or  four  sharks,  that  were 
gliding  above  the  surface  of  the  water,  and  in  so 
fearful  a  proximity  to  their  persons  as  to  render 
their  situation  on  the  low  spars,  over  which  the 
water  was  washing  and  retiring  at  each  rise  and 
fall  of  the  waves,  doubly  dangerous.  "  The  creat- 
ures' instinct  speaks  ill  for  our  hopes  !  " 

"  There  is  a  belief  among  seamen,  that  these 
animals  feel  a  secret  impulse,  which  directs  them 
to  their  prey,"  returned  the  Skimmer.  "  But  for- 


tune may  yet  balk  them. — Rogerson  !  "  calling  to 
one  of  his  followers ;  "  thy  pockets  are  rarely 
wanting  in  a  fisherman's  tackle.  Hast  thou, 
haply,  line  and  hook,  for  these  hungry  miscre- 
ants ?  The  question  is  getting  narrowed  to  one 
in  which  the  simplest  philosophy  is  the  wisest. 
When  eat  or  to  be  eaten  is  the  mooted  point, 
most  men  will  decide  for  the  former." 

A  hook  of  sufficient  size  was  soon  produced, 
and  a  line  was  quietly  provided  from  some  of 
the  small  cordage  that  still  remained  about  the 
masts.  A  piece  of  leather,  torn  from  a  spar,  an- 
swered for  the  bait ;  and  the  lure  was  thrown. 
Extreme  hunger  seemed  to  engross  the  voracious 
animals,  who  darted  at  the  imaginary  prey  with 
the  rapidity  of  lightning.  The  shock  was  so 
sudden  and  violent,  that  the  hapless  mariner  was 
drawn  from  his  slippery  and  precarious  footing 
into  the  sea.  The  whole  passed  with  a  frightful 
and  alarming  rapidity.  A  common  cry  of  horror 
was  heard,  and  the  last  despairing  glance  of  the 
fallen  man  was  witnessed.  The  mutilated  body 
floated  for  an  instant  in  its  blood,  with  the  look 
of  agony  and  terror  still  imprinted  on  the  con- 
scious countenance.  At  the  next  moment,  it  had 
become  food  for  the  monsters  of  the  sea. 

All  had  passed  away,  but  the  deep  dye  on  the 
surface  of  the  ocean.  The  gorged  fish  disap- 
peared :  but  the  dark  spot  remained  near  the  im- 
movable raft,  as  if  placed  there  to  warn  the  sur- 
vivors of  their  fate. 

"  This  is  horrible  ! "  said  Ludlow. 

"  A  sail ! "  shouted  the  Skimmer,  whose  voice 
and  tone,  breaking  in  on  that  moment  of  intense 
horror  and  apprehension,  sounded  like  a  cry  from 
the  heavens.    -  ■  My  gallant  brigantine  ! " 

u  God  grant  she  come  with  better  fortune 
than  those  who  have  so  lately  left  us  ! " 

"  God  grant  it  truly !  If  this  hope  fail,  there 
is  none  left.  Few  pass  here,  and  we  have  had 
sufficient  proof  that  our  top-gallants  are  not  so 
lofty  as  to  catch  every  eye." 

All  attention  was  now  bestowed  on  the  white 
speck  which  was  visible  on  the  margin  of  the 
ocean,  and  which  the  "  Skimmer  of  the  Seas  " 
confidently  pronounced  to  be  the  Water-Witch. 
None  but  a  seaman  could  have  felt  this  certainty ; 
for,  seen  from  the  low  raft,  there  was  little  else 
to  be  distinguished  but  the  heads  of  the  upper 
sails.  The  direction,  too,  was  unfavorable,  as  it 
was  to  leeward ;  but  both  Ludlow  and  the  free- 
trader assured  their  companions  that  the  vessel 
was  endeavoring  to  beat  in  with  the  land. 

The  two  hours  that  succeeded  lingered  like 
days  of  misery.  So  much  depended  on  a  variety 
of  events,  that  every  circumstance  was  noted  by 


RESCUED  BY  THE  BRIGANTINE. 


177 


the  seamen  of  the  party,  with  an  interest  border- 
ing on  agony.  A  failure  of  the  wind  might  compel 
the  vessel  to  remain  stationary,  and  then  both 
brigantine  and  raft  would  be  at  the  mercy  of  the 
uncertain  currents  of  the  ocean ;  a  change  of 
wind  might  cause  a  change  of  course,  and  render 
a  meeting  impossible  ;  an  increase  of  the  breeze 
might  cause  destruction,  even  before  the  succor 
could  come.  In  addition  to  these  obvious  haz- 
ards, there  were  all  the  chances  which  were 
dependent  on  the  fact  that  the  people  of  the 
brigantine  had  every  reason  to  believe  the  fate 
of  the  party  was  already  sealed. 

Still  Fortune  seemed  propitious ;  for  the 
breeze,  though  steady,  was  light ;  the  intention  of 
the  vessel  was  evidently  to  pass  somewhere  near 
them,  and  the  hope  that  their  object  was  search 
so  strong  and  plausible  as  to  exhilarate  every 
bosom. 

At  the  expiration  of  the  time  named,  the  brig- 
antine passed  the  raft  to  leeward  and  so  near  as 
to  render  the  smaller  objects  in  her  rigging  dis- 
tinctly visible. 

"  The  faithful  fellows  are  looking  for  us  !  " 
exclaimed  the  free-trader,  with  strong  emotion  in 
his  voice.  "  They  are  men  to  scour  the  coast, 
ere  they  abandon  us  !  " 

"  They  pass  us — wave  the  signal — it  may 
catch  their  eyes  !  " 

The  little  flag  was  unheeded,  and,  after  so 
long  and  so  intense  expectation,  the  party  on  the 
raft  had  the  pain  to  see  the  swift-moving  vessel 
glide  past  them,  and  drawing  so  far  ahead  as  to 
leave  little  hope  of  her  return.  The  heart  of  even 
the  "  Skimmer  of  the  Seas  "  appeared  to  sink 
within  him  at  the  disappointment. 

"For  myself,  I  care  not,"  said  the  stout  mari- 
ner, mournfully.  "  Of  what  consequence  is  it,  in 
what  sea,  or  on  what  voyage,  a  seaman  goes  into  his 
watery  tomb  ? — but  for  tnee,  my  hapless  and  play- 
ful Eudora,  I  could  wish  another  fate — ha ! — she 
tacks ! — the  sea-green  lady  has  an  instinct  for  her 
children,  after  all !  " 

The  brigantine  was  in  stays. — In  ten  or*  fifteen 
minutes  more  the  vessel  was  again  abeam  of  the 
raft,  and  to  windward. 

"If  she  pass  us  now,  our  chance  is  gone, 
without  a  shadow  of  hope,"  said  the  Skimmer, 
motioning  solemnly  for  silence.  Then  applying 
his  hands  to  his  mouth,  he  shouted,  as  if  despair 
lent  a  giant's  volume  to  his  lungs  : 

"  Ho  !    The  Water-Witch  ahoy !  " 

The  last  word  issued  from  his  lips  with  the 
clear,  audible  cry,  that  the  peculiar  sound  is  in- 
tended to  produce.  It  appeared  as  if  the  con- 
scious little  bark  knew  its  commander's  voice ; 
12 


for  its  course  changed  slightly,  as,  if  the  fabric 
were  possessed  of  the  consciousness  and  faculties 
of  life. 

"  Ho !  The  Water- Witch — ahoy ! "  shouted 
the  Skimmer,  with  a  still  mightier  effort. 

"  Hilloa  ! "  came  down  faintly  on  the  breeze, 
and  the  direction  of  the  brigantine  again  altered. 

"The  Water- Witch  !— the  Water-Witch!— 
ahoy  !  "  broke  out  of  the  lips  of  the  mariner  of 
the  shawl,  with  a  supernatural  force,  the  last  cry 
being  drawn  out  till  he  who  uttered  it  sank  back 
exhausted  with  the  effort. 

The  words  were  still  ringing  in  the  ears  of  the 
breathless  party  on  the  raft,  when  a  heavy  shout 
swept  across  the  water.  At  the  next  moment  the 
boom  of  the  brigantine  swung  off,  and  her  narrow 
bows  were  seen  pointing  toward  the  little  beacon 
of  white  that  played  above  the  sea.  It  was  but 
a  moment,  but  it  was  a  moment  pregnant  with  a 
thousand  hopes  and  fears,  before  the  beautiful  craft 
was  gliding  within  fifty  feet  of  the  top.  In  less  than 
five  minutes,  the  spars  of  the  Coquette  were  floating 
on  the  wide  ocean,  unpeopled  and  abandoned. 

The  first  sensation  of  the  "  Skimmer  of  the 
Seas,"  when  his  foot  touched  the  deck  of  his 
brigantine,  might  have  been  one  of  deep  and  in- 
tense gratitude.  He  was  silent,  and  seemingly 
oppressed  at  the  throat.  Stepping  along  the 
planks,  he  cast  an  eye  aloft,  and  struck  his  hand 
powerfully  on  the  capstan,  in  a  manner  that  was 
divided  between  convulsion  and  affection.  Then 
he  smiled  grimly  on  his  attentive  and  obedient 
crew,  speaking  with  his  wonted  cheerfulness  and 
authority : 

"  Fill  away  the  topsail — brace  up  and  haul 
aft!  Trim  every  thing  flat  as  boards,  boys — 
jam  the  dear  huzzy  in  with  the  coast ! " 

CHAPTER  XXXIY. 

"Beseech  you,  sir,  were  you  present  at  this  relation  ? " 

Winteb's  Tale. 

On  the  following  morning  the  windows  of  the 
Lust  in  Rust  denoted  the  presence  of  its  owner. 
There  was  an  air  of  melancholy,  yet  of  happiness, 
in  the  faces  of  many  who  were  seen  about  the 
buildings  and  the  grounds,  as  if  a  great  good  had 
been  accompanied  by  some  grave  and  qualifying 
circumstances  of  sorrow.  The  negroes  wore  an 
air  of  that  love  of  the  extraordinary,  which  is  the 
concomitant  of  ignorance,  while  those  of  the  more 
fortunate  class  resembled  men  who  retained  a 
recollection  of  serious  evils  that  were  past. 

In  the  private  apartment  of  the  burgher,  how- 


173 


THE  WATER- WITCH. 


ever,  an  interview  took  place  which  was  chara 
terized  by  an  air  of  deep  concern.  The  parties 
were  only  the  free-trader  and  the  alderman.  But 
it  was  apparent,  in  the  look  of  each,  that  they 
met  like  men  who  had  interesting  and  serious 
matters  to  discuss.  Still,  one  accustomed  to  the 
expressions  of  the  human  countenance  might  have 
seen  that,  while  the  former  was  about  to  intro- 
duce topics  in  which  his  feelings  were  powerfully 
enlisted,  the  other  looked  only  to  the  grosser  inter- 
ests of  his  commerce. 

"  My  minutes  are  counted,"  said  the  mariner, 
stepping  into  the  centre  of  the  room,  and  facing 
his  companion.  "  That  which  is  to  be  said  must 
be  said  briefly.  The  inlet  can  only  be  passed  on 
the  rising  water,  and  it  will  ill  consult  your  opin- 
ions of  prudence  were  I  to  tarry,  till  the  hue  and 
cry  that  will  follow  the  intelligence  of  that  which 
has  lately  happened  in  the  ofhng,  shall  be  heard 
in  the  province." 

"  Spoken  with  a  rover's  discretion  !  This  re- 
serve will  perpetuate  friendship,  which  is  naught 
weakened  by  your  activity  in  our  late  uncomfort- 
able voyage  on  the  yards  and  masts  of  Queen 
Anne's  late  cruiser.  Well !  I  wish  no  ill-luck  to 
any  loyal  gentleman  in  her  majesty's  service ;  but 
it  is  a  thousand  pities  that  thou  wert  not  ready, 
now  the  coast  is  clear,  with  a  good  heavy  inward 
cargo !  The  last  was  altogether  an  affair  of  se- 
cret drawers  and  rich  laces ;  valuable  in  itself, 
and  profitable  in  the  exchange :  but  the  colony 
is  sadly  in  want  of  certain  articles  that  can  only 
be  landed  at  leisure." 

"  I  come  on  other  matters.  There  have  been 
transactions  between  us,  Alderman  Van  Beverout, 
that  you  little  understand." 

"  You  speak  of  a  small  mistake  in  the  last  in- 
voice ?  'Tis  all  explained,  Master  Skimmer,  on 
a  second  examination;  and  thy  accuracy  is  as 
well  established  as  that  of  the  Bank  of  Eng- 
land." 

"  Established  or  not,  let  him  who  doubts  cease 
to  deal.  I  have  no  other  motto  than  '  confidence,' 
nor  any  other  rule  but  'justice.' " 

"  You  overrun  my  meaning,  friend  of  mine. 
I  intimate  no  suspicions;  but  accuracy  is  the 
soul  of  commerce,  as  profit  is  its  object.  Clear 
accounts,  with  reasonable  balances,  are  the  surest 
cements  of  business  intimacies.  A  little  frank- 
ness operates,  in  a  secret  trade,  like  equity  in  the 
courts ;  which  reestablishes  the  justice  that  the 
law  has  destroyed. — What  is  thy  purpose?  " 

"  It  is  now  many  years,  Alderman  Yan  Bever- 
out, since  this  secret  trade  was  commenced  be- 
tween you  and  my  predecessor,  he,  whom  you  have 
thought  my  father,  but  who  only  claimed  that 


revered  appellation  by  protecting  the  helplessness 
and  infancy  of  the  orphan  child  of  a  friend." 

"The  latter  circumstance  is  new  to  me,"  re- 
turned the  burgher,  slowly  bowing  his  head.  "  It 
may  explain  certain  levities  which  have  not  been 
without  their  embarrassment.  'Tisfive-and-twen- 
ty  years,  come  August,  Master  Skimmer,  and 
twelve  of  them  have  been  under  thy  auspices.  I 
will  not  say  that  the  adventures  might  not  have 
been  better  managed ;  as  it  is,  they  are  tolerable. 
I  am  getting  old,  and  think  of  closing  the  risks 
and  hazards  of  life — two  or  three,  or,  at  the  most, 
four  or  five  lucky  voyages,  must,  I  think,  bring  a 
final  settlement  between  us." 

"  'Twill  be  made  sooner.  I  believe  the  his- 
tory of  my  predecessor  was  no  secret  to  you. 
The  manner  in  which  he  was  driven  from  the 
marine  of  the  Stuarts,  on  account  of  his  opposi- 
tion to  tyranny  ;  his  refuge  with  an  only  daugh- 
ter, in  the  colonies ;  and  his  final  recourse  to  the 
free-trade  for  a  livelihood,  have  often  been  alluded 
to  between  us." 

"  Hum — I  have  a  good  memory  for  business, 
Master  Skimmer,  but  I  am  as  forgetful  as  a  new- 
made  lord  of  his  pedigree,  on  all  matters  that 
should  be  overlooked.  I  dare  say,  however,  it 
was  as  you  have  stated." 

"  You  know  that,  when  my  protector  and 
predecessor  abandoned  the  land,  he  took  his  all 
with  him  upon  the  water." 

"  He  took  a  wholesome  and  good-going  schoon- 
er, Master  Skimmer,  with  an  assorted  freight  of 
chosen  tobacco,  well  ballasted  with  stones  from  off 
the  sea-shore.  He  was  no  foolish  admirer  of  sea- 
green  women  and  flaunting  brigantines.  Often 
did  the  royal  cruisers  mistake  the  worthy  dealer 
for  an  industrious  fisherman  !  " 

"  He  had  his  humors,  and  I  have  mine.  But 
you  forget  a  part  of  the  freight  he  carried — a 
part  that  was  not  the  least  valuable." 

"  There  might  have  been  a  bale  of  marten's 
furs — for  the  trade  was  just  getting  brisk  in  that 
article." 

"  There  was  a  beautiful,  an  innocent,  and  an 
affectionate  girl — " 

The  alderman  made  an  involuntary  movement 
which  nearly  hid  his  countenance  from  his  com- 
panion. 

"  There  was,  indeed,  a  beautiful,  and,  as  you 
say,  a  most  warm-hearted  girl,  in  the  concern  !  " 
he  uttered  in  a  voice  that  was  subdued  and  hoarse. 
"  She  died,  as  I  have  heard  from  thyself,  Master 
Skimmer,  in  the  Italian  seas.  I  never  saw  the 
father  after  the  last  visit  of  his  child  to  this 
coast." 

"  She  did  die  among  the  islands  of  the  Med- 


A  RIGHTEOUS 

iterranean.  But  the  void  she  left  in  the  hearts 
of  all  who  knew  her,  was  rilled  in  time  by  her — 
daughter." 

The  alderman  started  from  his  chair,  and, 
looking  the  free-trader  intently  and  anxiously  in 
the  face,  he  slowly  repeated  the  word — 

"  Daughter ! " 

"  I  have  said  it.  Eudora  is  the  daughter  of 
that  injured  woman — need  I  say  who  is  the  fa- 
ther ?  " 

The  burgher  groaned,  and,  covering  his  face 
with  his  hands,  he  sank  back  into  his  chair,  shiv- 
ering convulsively. 

"  What  evidence  have  I  for  this  ?  "  he  at 
length  muttered — "  Eudora  is  thy  sister  !  " 

The  answer  of  the  free-trader  was  accompa- 
nied by  a  melancholy  smile. 

"  You  have  been  deceived.  Save  the  brigan- 
tine,  my  being  is  attached  to  nothing.  When 
my  own  brave  father  fell  by  the  side  Of  him  who 
protected  my  youth,  none  of  my  blood  were  left. 
I  loved  him  as  a  father,  and  he  called  me  son, 
while  Eudora  was  passed  upon  you  as  the  child 
of  a  second  marriage.  But  here  is  sufficient  evi- 
dence of  her  birth." 

The  alderman  took  a  paper,  which  his  com- 
panion put  gravely  into  his  hand,  and  his  eyes 
ran  eagerly  over  its  contents.  It  was  a  letter  to 
himself  from  the  mother  of  Eudora,  written  after 
the  birth  of  the  latter,  and  with  the  endearing  af- 
fection of  a  woman.  The  love  between  the  young 
merchant  and  the  fair  daughter  of  his  secret  cor- 
respondent had  been  less  criminal  on  his  part 
than  most  similar  connections.  Nothing  but  the 
peculiarity  of  their  situation,  and  the  real  embar- 
rassment of  introducing  to  the  world  one  whose 
existence  was  unknown  to  his  friends,  and  their 
mutual  awe  of  the  unfortunate  but  still  proud 
parent,  had  prevented  a  legal  marriage.  The  sim- 
ple forms  of  the  colony  were  easily  satisfied,  and 
there  was  even  some  reason  to  raise  a  question 
whether  they  had  not  been  sufficiently  consulted 
to  render  the  offspring  legitimate.  As  Myndert 
Yan  Beverout,  therefore,  read  the  epistle  of  her 
whom  he  had  once  so  truly  loved,  and  whose  loss 
had,  in  more  senses  than  one,  been  to  him  an  ir- 
reparable misfortune,  since  his  character  might 
have  yielded  to  her  gentle  and  healthful  influence, 
his  limbs  trembled,  and  his  whole  frame  betrayed 
the  violence  of  extreme  agitation.  The  language 
of  the  dying  woman  was  kind  and  free  from  re- 
proach, but  it  was  solemn  and  admonitory.  She 
communicated  the  birth  of  their  child ;  but  she 
left  it  to  the  disposition  of  her  own  father,  while 
she  apprised  the  author  of  its  being  of  its  exist- 
ence ;  and,  in  the  event  of  its  ever  being  consigned 


RETRIBUTION.  179 

*o  his  care,  she  earnestly  recommended  it  to  his 
love.  The  close  was  a  leave-taking,  in  which  the 
lingering  affections  of  this  life  were  placed  in 
mournful  contrast  to  the  hopes  of  the  future. 

"Why  has  this  so  long  been  hidden  from  me?  " 
demanded  the  agitated  merchant — "  why,  0  reck- 
less and  fearless  man !  have  I  been  permitted  to 
expose  the  frailties  of  nature  to  my  own  child  ?  " 

The  smile  of  the  free-trader  was  bitter  and 
proud. 

"  Mr.  Van  Beverout,  we  are  no  dealers  of  the 
short  voyage.  Our  trade  is  the  concern  of  life  ; 
our  world,  the  Water-Witch.  As  we  have  so  little 
of  the  interests  of  the  land,  our  philosophy  is 
above  its  weaknesses.  The  birth  of  Eudora  was 
concealed  from  you,  at  the  will  of  her  grandfather. 
It  might  have  been  resentment — it  might  have 
been  pride.  Had  it  been  affection,  the  girl  has 
that  to  justify  the  fraud." 

"And  Eudora,  herself? — Does  she — or  has 
she  long  known  the  truth  ?  " 

"  But  lately.  Since  the  death  of  our  common 
friend,  the  girl  has  been  solely  dependent  on  me 
for  counsel  and  protection.  It  is  now  a  year  since 
she  first  learned  she  was  not  my  sister.  Until 
then,  like  you,  she  supposed  us  equally  derived 
from  one  who  was  the  parent  of  neither.  Necessity 
has  compelled  me,  of  late,  to  keep  her  much  in 
the  brigantine." 

u  The  retribution  is  righteous  !  "  groaned  the 
alderman.  "  I  am  punished  for  my  pusillanimity 
in  the  degradation  of  my  own  child  ! " 

The  step  of  the  free-trader,  as  he  advanced 
nearer  to  his  companion,  was  full  of  dignity ;  and 
his  keen  eye  glowed  with  the  resentment  of  an  of- 
fended man. 

"  Alderman  Van  Beverout,"  he  said,  with 
stern  rebuke  in  his  voice,  "  you  receive  your  , 
daughter,  stainless  as  was  her  unfortunate  moth- 
er, when  necessity  compelled  him  whose  being 
was  wrapped  up  in  hers,  to  trust  her  beneath 
your  roof.  We  of  the  contraband  have  our  own 
opinions  of  right  and  wrong ;  and  my  gratitude, 
no  less  than  my  principles,  teaches  me  that  the 
descendant  of  my  benefactor  is  to  be  protected, 
not  injured.  Had  I,  in  truth,  been  the  brother 
of  Eudora,  language  and  conduct  more  innocent 
could  not  have  been  shown  her,  than  that  she 
has  both  heard  and  witnessed  while  guarded  by 
my  care." 

"From  my. soul,  I  thank  thee!"  burst  from 
the  lips  of  the  alderman.  "  The  girl  shall  be  ac- 
knowledged; and,  with  such  a  dowry  as  I  can  give, 
she  may  yet  hope  for  a  suitable  and  honorable 
marriage." 

"Thou  mayst  bestow  her  on  thy  favorite  pa- 


380  THE  WATER-WITCH. 

troon,"  returned  the  Skimmer,  with  a  calm  but  '  child  touched  the  ground.  "It  is  the  consequence 
sad  eye.  "  She  is  more  than,  worthy  of  all  he  can  of  lives  which  ceaselessly  present  dangers  supe- 
return.  The  man.  is  willing  to  take  her,  for  he  rior  to  our  powers.  For  many  years  have  I  be- 
is  not  ignorant  of  her  sex  and  history.  That  lieved  that  some  great  good,  or  some  greater  evil, 
much  I  thought  due  to  Eudora  herself,  when  for-  ■  would  accompany  the  first  visit  of  this  boy  to  the 
tune  placed  the  young  man  in  my  power."  [  land.    For  the  first  -time,  his  foot  now  stands 

"  Thou  art  only  too  honest  for  this  wicked  1  on  solid  earth.  I  await  the  fulfilment  of  the 
world,  Master  Skimmer  !    Let  me  see  the  loving    augury  !  " 

pair,  and  bestow  my  blessing  on  the  instant ! "  "  It  will  be  happy,"  returned  Ludlow.    "  Alida 

The  free-trader  turned  slowly  away,  and,  open-  '  and  Eudora  will  instruct  him  in  the  opinions  of 
ing  a  door,  he  motioned  for  those  within  to  enter,  this  simple  and  fortunate  country,  and  he  seemeth 
Alida  instantly  appeared,  leading  the  counterfeit  one  likely  to  do  early  credit  to  his  schooling." 
Seadrift,  clad  in  the  proper  attire  of  her  sex.  ;  "  I  fear  the  boy  will  regret  the  lessons  of  the 
Although  the  burgher  had  often  seen  the  supposed  '  sea-green  lady  ! — Captain  Ludlow,  there  is  yet  a 
sister  of  the  Skimmer  in  her  female  habiliments,  '  duty  to  perform,  which,  as  a  man  of  more  feeling 
she  never  before  had  struck  him  as  a  being  of  so  i  than  you  may  be  disposed  to  acknowledge,  I  can- 
rare  beauty  as  at  that  moment.  The  silken  whis-  not  neglect.  I  have  understood  that  you  are  ac- 
kers had  been  removed,  and  in  their  places  were  !  cepted  by  la  belle  Barberie  ?  " 
burning  cheeks,  that  were  rather  enriched  than  !  "  Such  is  my  happiness." 
discolored  by  the  warm  touches  of  the  sun.  The  !  "  Sir,  in  dispensing  with  explanation  of  the 
dark  glossy  ringlets,  that  were  no  longer  artfully  \  past  you  have  shown  a  noble  confidence,  that 
converted  to  the  purposes  of  the  masquerade,  fell  merits  a  return.  When  I  came  upon  this  coast, 
naturally  in  curls  about  the  temples  and  brows,  !  it  was  with  a  determination  of  establishing  the 
shading  a  countenance  which  in  general  was  play-  |  claims  of  Eudora  to  the  protection  and  fortune 
fully  arch,  though  at  that  moment  it  was  shadowed  '  of  her  father.  If  I  distrusted  the  influence  and 
by  reflection  and  feeling.  It  is  seldom  that  two  hostility  of  one  so  placed,  and  so  gifted  to  per- 
such  beings  are  seen  together  as  those  who  now  |  suade,  as  this  lady,  you  will  remember  it  was  be- 
knelt  at  the  feet  of  the  merchant.  In  the  breast  :  fore  acquaintance  had  enabled  me  to  estimate 
of  the  latter,  the  accustomed  and  lasting  love  of  :  more  than  her  beauty.  She  was  seized  in  her 
the  uncle  and  protector  appeared,  for  an  instant,  pavilion  by  my  agency,  and  transported  as  a  cap- 
to  struggle  with  the  new-born  affection  of  a  par-  |  tive  to  the  brigantine." 

ent.  Xature  was  too  strong  for  even  his  blunted  I  "  I  had  believed  her  acquainted  with  the  his- 
and  perverted  sentiments  ;  and,  calling  his  child  tory  of  her  cousin,  and  willing  to  aid  in  some 
aloud  by  name,  the  selfish  and  calculating  alder-  i  fantasy  which  was  to  lead  to  the  present  happy 
man  sank  upon  the  neck  of  Eudora,  and  wept.  I  restoration  of  the  latter  to  her  natural  friends." 
It  would  have  been  difficult  to  trace  the  emotions  "  You  did  her  disinterestedness  no  more  than 
of  the  stern  but  observant  free-trader,  as  he  '  justice.  As  some  atonement  for  the  personal 
watched  the  progress  of  this  scene.  Distrust,  un-  !  wrong,  and  as  the  speediest  and  surest  means  of 
easiness,  and,  finally,  melancholy,  were  in  his  eye.  '  appeasing  her  alarm,  I  made  my  captive  ac- 
With  the  latter  expression  predominant,  he  quit-  |  quainted  with  the  facts.  Eudora  then  heard,  also 
ted  the  room,  like  one  who  felt  a  stranger  had  no  for  the  first  time,  the  history  of  her  origin.  The 
right  to  witness  emotions  so  sacred.  i  evidence  was  irresistible,  and  we  found  a  gener- 

Two  hours  later,  and  the  principal  personages  :  ous  and  devoted  friend  where  we  had  expected 
of  the  narrative  were  assembled  on  the  margin  of    a  rival." 

the  cove,  beneath  the  shade  of  an  oak  that  "  I  knew  that  Alida  could  not  prove  less  gen- 
seemed  coeval  with  the  continent.  The  brigan-  '  erous  ! "  cried  the  admiring  Ludlow,  raising  the 
tine  was  aweigh  ;  and,  under  a  light  show  of  hand  of  the  blushing  girl  to  his  lips.  "  The  los3 
canvas,  she  was  making  easy  stretches  in  the  lit-  '  of  fortune  is  a  gain,  by  showing  her  true  charac- 
tle  basin,  resembling,  by  the  ease  and  grace  of  j  ter!" 

her  movements,  some  beautiful  swan  sailing  up  ;  "  Hist ! — hist — "  interrupted  the  alderman — 
and  down  in  the  enjoyment  of  its  instinct.  A  ,  "  there  is  little  need  to  proclaim  a  loss  of  any 
boat  had  just  touched  the  shore,  and  the  "  Skim-  I  kind.  What  must  be  done  in  the  way  of  natural 
mer  of  the  Seas  "  stood  near,  stretching  out  a  j  justice,  will  doubtless  be  «ubmitted  to  ;  but  why 
hand  to  aid  the  boy  Zephyr  to  land.  !  let  all  in  the  colony  know  how  much  or  how  little 

"  We  subjects  of  the  elements  are  slaves  to  ,  is  given  with  a  bride  ?  " 
superstition,"  he  said,  when  the  light  foot  of  the  |      "  The  loss  of  fortune  will  be  amply  met,"  re- 


EUDORA  AND  THE  SMUGGLER. 


181 


turned  the  free-trader.  "  These  bags  contain 
gold.  The  dowry  of  my  charge  is  ready  at  a  mo- 
ment's •warning,  whenever  she  shall  make!  known 
her  choice." 

"  Success  and  prudence  !  "  exclaimed  the 
burgher.  "  There  is  no  less  than  a  most  com- 
mendable forethought  in  thy  provision,  Master 
Skimmer ;  and,  whatever  may  be  the  opiuion  of 
the  Exchequer  Judges  of  thy  punctuality  and 
credit,  it  is  mine  that  there  are  less  responsible 
men  about  the  Bank  of  England  itself !— This 
money  is,  no  doubt,  that  which  the  girl  can  law- 
fully claim  in  right  of  her  late  grandfather  !  " 

"  It  is." 

"I  take  this  to  be  a  favorable  moment  to 
speak  plainly  on  a  subject  which  is  very  near  my 
heart,  and  which  may  as  well  be  broached  under 
such  favorable  auspices  as  under  any  other.  I 
understand,  Mr.  Van  Staats,  that,  on  a  further 
examination  of  your  sentiments  toward  an  old 
friend,  you  are  of  opinion  that  a  closer  alliance 
than  the  one  we  had  contemplated  will  most  con- 
duce to  your  happiness  ?  " 

"  I  will  acknowledge  that  the  coldness  of  la 
belle  Barberie  has  damped  my  own  warmth,"  re- 
turned the  Patroon  of  Kinderhook,  who  rarely 
delivered  himself  of  more,  at  a  time,  than  the 
occasion  required. 

"And,  furthermore,  I  have  been  told,  sir, 
that  an  intimacy  of  a  fortnight  has  given  you 
reason  to  fix  your  affections  on  my  daughter, 
whose  beauty  is  hereditary,  and  whose  fortune  is 
not  likely  to  be  diminished  by  this  act  of  justice 
on  the  part  of  that  upright  and  gallant  mariner." 

"  To  be  received  into  the  favor  of  your  family, 
Mr.  Van  Beverout,  would  leave  me  little  to  desire 
in  this  life." 

"  And  as  for  the  other  world,  I  never  heard 
of  a  Patroon  W  Kinderhook  who  did  not  leave  us 
with  comfortable  hopes  for  the  future ;  as  in  rea- 
son they  should,  since  few  families  in  the  colony 
have  done  more  for  the  support  of  religion  than 
they.  They  gave  largely  to  the  Dutch  churches 
in  Manhattan;  have  actually  built,  with  their 
own  means,  three  very  pretty  brick  edifices  on 
the  manor,  each  having  its  Flemish  steeple  and 
suitable  weathercocks,  besides  having  done  some- 
thing handsome  toward  the  venerable  structure 
in  Albany. — Eudora,  my  child,  this  gentleman  is 
a  particular  friend,  and  as  such  I  can  presume  to 
recommend  him  to  thy  favor.  You  are  not  abso- 
lutely strangers;  but,  in  order  that  you  may 
have  every  occasion  to  decide  impartially,  you 
will  remain  here  together  for  a  month  longer, 
which  will  enable  you  to  choose  without  distrac- 
tion and  confusion.     More  than  this,  for  the 


present,  it  is  unnecessary  to  say ;  for  it  is  my 
practice  to  leave  all  matters  of  this  magnitude 
entirely  to  Providence." 

The  daughter,  on  whose  speaking  face  the 
color  went  and  came,  like  lights  changing  in  an 
Italian  sky,  continued  silent. 

"  You  have  happily  put  aside  the  curtain 
which  concealed  a  mystery  that  no  longer  gave 
me  uneasiness,"  interrupted  Ludlow,  addressing 
the  free-trader.  u  Can  you  do  more,  and  say 
whence  came  this  letter  ?  " 

The  dark  eye  of  Eudora  instantly  lighted. 
She  looked  at  the  "  Skimmer  of  the  Seas,"  and 
laughed. 

"  'Twas  another  of  those  womanly  artifices 
which  have  been  practised  in  my  brigantine.  It 
was  thought  that  a  young  commander  of  a  royal 
cruiser  would  be  less  apt  to  watch  our  move- 
ments, were  his  mind  bent  on  the  discovery  of 
such  a  correspondent." 

"  And  the  trick  has  been  practised  before  ?  " 

"  I  confess  it. — But  I  can  linger  no  longer. 
In  a  few  minutes  the  tide  will  turn,  and  the  inlet 
become  impassable.  Eudora,  we  must  decide  on 
the  fortunes  of  this  child.  Shall  he  to  the  ocean 
again  ? — or  shall  he  remain,  to  vary  his  life  with 
a  landsman's  chances  ?  " 

"  Who  and  what  is  the  boy  ?  "  gravely  de- 
manded the  alderman. 

"  One  dear  to  both,"  rejoined  the  free-trader. 
"  His  father  was  my  nearest  friend,  and  his 
mother  long  watched  the  youth  of  Eudora.  Un- 
til this  moment,  he  has  been  our  mutual  care — 
he  must  now  choose  between  us." 

"  He  will  not  quit  me  !  "  hastily  interrupted 
the  alarmed  Eudora. — "  Thou  art  my  adopted 
son,  and  none  can  guide  thy  young  mind  like  me. 
Thou  hast  need  of  woman's  tenderness,  Zephyr, 
and  wilt  not  quit  me?" 

"  Let  the  child  be  the  arbiter  of  his  own 
fate.  I  am  credulous  on  the  point  of  fortune, 
which  is,  at  least,  a  happy  belief  for  the  contra- 
band." 

"Then  let  him  speak.  Wilt  remain  here, 
amid  these  smiling  fields,  to  ramble  among  yon- 
der gay  and  sweetly-scented  flowers  ? — or  wilt 
thou  back  to  the  water,  where  all  is  vacant  and 
without  change  ?  " 

The  boy  looked  wistfully  into  her  anxious  eye, 
then  he  bent  his  own  hesitating  glance  on  the 
calm  features  of  the  free-trader. 

"  We  can  put  to  sea,"  he  said  ;  "  and  when 
we  make  the  homeward  passage  again,  there  will 
be  many  curious  things  for  thee,  Eudora  !  " 

"  But  this  may  be  the  last  opportunity  to 
know  the  land  of  thy  ancestors.    Remember  how 


182 


THE  WATER-WITCH. 


terrible  is  the  ocean  in  its  anger,  and  how  often 
the  brigantine  has  been  in  danger  of  shipwreck ! " 

"  Nay,  that  is  womanish  ! — I  have  been  on 
the  royal-yard  in  the  squalls,  and  it  never  seemed 
to  me  that  there  was  danger." 

"  Thou  hast  the  unconsciousness  and  reliance 
of  a  ship-boy !  But  those  who  are  older,  know 
that  the  life  of  a  sailor  is  one  of  constant  and 
imminent  hazard.  Thou  hast  been  among  the 
islands  in  the  hurricane,  and  hast  seen  the  power 
of  the  elements  ! " 

"I  was  in  the  hurricane,  and  so  was  the 
hrigantine  ;  and  there  you  see  how  taut  and  neat 
she  is  aloft,  as  if  nothing  had  happened  !  " 

"  And  you  saw  us  yesterday  floating  on  the 
open  sea,  while  a  few  ill-fastened  spars  kept  us 
from  going  into  its  depths  1 " 

"  The  spars  floated,  and  you  were  not 
drowned ;  else  I  should  have  wept  bitterly,  Eu- 
dora." 

"  But  thou  wilt  go  deeper  into  the  country, 
and  see  more  of  its  beauties — its  rivers  and  its 
mountains — its  caverns  and  its  woods.  Here  all 
is  change,  while  the  water  is  ever  the  same." 

"  Surely,  Eudora,  you  forget  strangely  ! — Here 
it  is  all  America.  This  mountain  is  America ; 
yonder  land  across  the  bay  is  America,  and  the 
anchorage  of  yesterday  was  America.  When  we 
shall  run  off  the  coast,  the  next  land-fall  will 
be  England,  or  Holland,  or  Africa ;  and,  with  a 
good  wind,  we  may  run  down  the  shores  of  two 
or  three  countries  in  a  day." 

"  And  on  them,  too,  thoughtless  boy !  If  you 
lose  this  occasion,  thy  life  will  be  wedded  to  haz- 
ard ! » 

"  Farewell,  Eudora  !  "  said  the  urchin,  raising 
his  mouth  to  give  and  receive  the  parting  kiss. 

"  Eudora,  adieu  !  "  added  a  deep  and  melan- 
choly voice,  at  her  elbow.  "  I  can  delay  no  lon- 
ger, for  my  people  show  symptoms  of  impatience. 
Should  this  be  the  last  of  my  voyages  to  the 
coast,  thou  wilt  not  forget  those  with  whom  thou 
hast  so  long  shared  good  and  evil ! " 

"  Not  yet — not  yet — you  will  not  quit  us  yet ! 
Leave  me  the  boy — leave  me  some  other  memorial 
of  the  past,  besides  this  pain  !  " 

"  My  hour  has  come.  The  wind  is  freshening, 
and  I  trifle  with  its  favor.  'Twill  be  better  for 
thy  happiness  that  none  know  the  history  of  the 
brigantine ;  a  few  hours  will  draw  a  hundred 
curious  eyes  from  the  town  upon  us." 

"  What  care  I  for  their  opinions  ? — thou  wilt 
not — cannot — leave  me  yet ! " 

"  Gladly  would  I  stay,  Eudora,  but  a  seaman's 
home  is  his  ship.  Too  much  precious  time  is  al- 
ready wasted.    Once  more,  adieu !  " 


The  dark  eye  of  the  girl  glanced  wildly  about 
her.  It  seemed  as  if,  in  that  one  quick  and  hur- 
ried look,  it  drank  in  all  that  belonged  to  the 
land  and  its  enjoyments. 

"  Whither  go  you  ?  "  she  asked,  scarce  suffer- 
ing her  voice  to  rise  above  a  whisper.  "  Whither 
do  you  sail,  and  when  do  you  return?  " 

"  I  follow  Fortune.    My  return  may  be  dis-  ' 
tant — never! — Adieu  then,  Eudora — be  happy 
with  the  friends  that  Providence  hath  given 
thee ! "  ■ 

The  wandering  eyes  of  the  girl  of  the  sea  be- 
came still  more  unsettled.  »  She  grasped  the  of- 
fered hand  of  the  free-trader  in  both  her  own, 
and  wrung  it  in  an  impassioned  and  unconscious 
manner.  Then,  releasing  her  hold,  she  opened 
wide  her  arms,  and  cast  them,  convulsively  about 
his  unmoved  and  unyielding  form. 

"  We  will  go  together  ! — I  am  thine,  and  thine 
only!" 

"  Thou  knowest  not  what  thou  sayest,  Eu- 
dora!" gasped  the  Skimmer.  "Thou  hast  a 
father — friend — husband — " 

"Away,  away !"  cried  the  frantic  girl,  waving 
her  hand  wildly  toward  Alida  and  the  patroon, 
who  advanced  as  if  hurrying  to  rescue  her  from 
a  precipice. — "Thine,  and  thine  only!  " 

The  smuggler  released  himself  from  her  fren- 
zied grasp,  and,  with  the  strength  of  a  giant,  he 
held  the  struggling  girl  at  the  length  of  his  arm, 
while  he  endeavored  to  control  the  tempest  of 
passion  that  struggled  within  him. 

"  Think,  for  one  moment,  think ! "  he  said. 
"  Thou  wouldst  follow  an  outcast — an  outlaw — 
one  hunted  and  condemned  of  men  ! " 

"Thine,  and  thine  only!" 

"  With  a  ship  for  a  dwelling — the  tempestu- 
ous ocean  for  a  world  !  " 

"  Thy  world  is  my  world  ! — thy  home  my  home 
— thy  danger,  mine  !  " 

The  shout  which  burst  out  of  the  chest  of  the 
"  Skimmer  of  the  Seas  "  was  one  of  uncontrollable 
exultation. 

"Thou  art  mine!  "he  cried.  "Before  a  tie 
like  this,  the  claim  of  such  a  father  is  forgotten ! 
Burgher,  adieu ! — I  will  deal  by  thy  daughter  more 
honestly  than  thou  didst  deal  by  my  benefactor's 
child ! " 

Eudora  was  lifted  from  the  ground  as  if  her 
weight  had  been  that  of  a  feather ;  and,  spite  of 
a  sudden  and  impetuous  movement  of  Ludlow 
and  the  patroon,  she  was  borne  to  the  boat.  In 
a  moment  the  bark  was  afloat,  with  the  gallant 
boy  tossing  his  sea-cap  upward  in  triumph.  The 
brigantine,  as  if  conscious  of  what  had  passed, 
wore  round  like  a  whirling  chariot ;  and  ere  the 


THE  LAST 

spectators  had  recovered  from  their  confusion  and 
wonder,  the  boat  was  hanging  at  the  tackles. 
The  free-trader  was  seen  on  the  poop,  with  an  arm 
cast  about  the  form  of  Eudora,  waving  a  hand  to 
the  motionless  group  on  the  shore,  while  the  still 
half-unconscious  girl  of  the  ocean  signed  her  faint 
adieus  to  Alida  and  her  father.  The  vessel  glided 
through  the  inlet,  and  was  immediately  rocking 
on  the  billows  of  the  surf.  Then,  taking  the  full 
weight  of  the  southern  breeze,  the  fine  and  atten- 
uated spars  bent  to  its  force,  and  the  progress  of 
the  swift-moving  craft  was  apparent  by  the  bub- 
bling line  of  its  wake. 

The  day  had  begun  to  decline,  before  Alida 
and-  Ludlow  quitted  the  lawn  of  the  Lust  in  Rust. 
For  the  first  hour,  the  dark  hull  of  the  brigantine 
was  seen  supporting  the  moving  cloud  of  canvas. 
Then  the  low  structure  vanished,  and  sail  after 
sail  settled  into  the  water,  until  nothing  was  visi- 


VOYAGE.  183 

ble  but  a  speck  of  glittering  white.  It  lingered 
for  a  minute,  and  was  swallowed  in  the  void. 

The  nuptials  of  Ludlow  and  Alida  were 
touched  with  a  shade  of  melancholy.  Natural 
affection  in  one,  and  professional  sympathy  in 
the  other,  had  given  them  a  deep  and  lasting  in- 
terest in  the  fate  of  the  adventurers. 

Years  passed  away,  and  months  were  spent  at 
the  villa,  in  which  a  thousand  anxious  looks  were 
cast  upon  the  ocean.  Each  morning  during  the 
early  months  of  summer  did  Alida  hasten  to  the 
windows  of  her  pavilion,  in  the  hope  of  seeing  the 
vessel  of  the  contraband  anchored  in  the  cove ; 
but  always  without  success.  It  never  returned ; 
and,  though  the  rebuked  and  disappointed  alder- 
man caused  many  secret  inquiries  to  be  made 
along  the  whole  extent  of  the  American  coast,  he 
never  again  heard  of  the  renowned  "  Skimmer  or 
the  Seas,"  or  of  his  matchless  Water  -Witch. 


THE  END. 


r 


I 


